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But how does bitcoin actually work?

3Blue1Brown · explainer · Watch on YouTube

CryptographyRecreational & visual math

What it is

3Blue1Brown explains the math and mechanics behind Bitcoin visually: ledgers, digital signatures, proof of work and the blockchain, building up a decentralized payment system from first principles.

Why Hacker News recommends it

The go-to recommended video for newcomers wanting a clear, visual explanation of how Bitcoin and blockchains work.

  • 15 people recommended it
  • 11 different months
  • 4 strong recommendations
  • first 2017, last 2024

What HN commenters said

  1. “IMHO the best intro to Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies in general.”

    Quick visual intro to Bitcoin

    sagitariusrex, 2017-08 · Strong recommendation · in “A Guide to Crypto Currencies”

  2. “Would highly recommend watching this video for anyone who hasn't already.”

    Best explanation of blockchain

    ahussain, 2017-10 · Strong recommendation · in “Blockchains explained visually (part 1 of 2)”

  3. “this video is the best explanation for how mining and blockchains work IMO”

    Clear, thorough explanation of mining and blockchains

    gnarbarian, 2017-11 · Strong recommendation · in “Demystifying Blockchains”

  4. “I decline to discuss it without mentioning the 3Blue1Brown video”

    Go-to video for discussing crypto properly

    RichardCA, 2024-06 · Strong recommendation · in “Nobody knows what's going on”

  5. “Included in an intro list for learning blockchain”

    agreen, 2017-10 · Recommendation · in “Ask HN: Resources to learn blockchain and smart contracts?”

  6. “As a quick and visual introduction, I would recommend”

    Quick visual introduction to how Bitcoin works

    AdrienChey, 2017-10 · Recommendation · in “Ask HN: Resources to learn blockchain and smart contracts?”

  7. “Here's a short video by 3Blue1Brown on how cryptocurrencies work”

    Short explanation of how cryptocurrencies work

    ddebernardy, 2017-11 · Recommendation · in “Bitcoin mining uses more energy than Ecuador – but there’s a fix”

  8. “builds from there with great visuals, so it is quite accessible.”

    Accessible visual walkthrough of Bitcoin mechanics

    afarrell, 2017-11 · Recommendation · in “Ask HN: Best online resources to learn about Bitcoin/Cryptocurrency?”

Excerpts from Hacker News comments, linked to the originals. Summaries and labels were written by a language model from those comments.

Topics: bitcoin, blockchain, proof of work, cryptography, mining

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