Is this course practical or just theory?

Highly practical - includes coding labs, mini-projects, and scripting exercises with real Bitcoin workflows.

What skills will I gain?

Bitcoin scripting, transaction logic, blockchain fundamentals, and developer mindset for secure applications.

How long is the course?

Approximately 15–20 hours, flexible to fit your pace and prior coding experience.

How are learners assessed?

Through module quizzes, scripting exercises, and a small hands-on project to reinforce key concepts.

How does this fit into the specialization?

Level 1 (Pathway A) - builds the foundation before Pathway B (scaling & security) and Pathway C (integration & capstone).

Will I earn a certificate?

No standalone certificate is awarded for Pathway A. Completing this course prepares you for Pathways B & C, culminating in the full Bitcoin+ Developer™ certification.

Can this help me start a blockchain career?

Yes. It prepares you for entry-level blockchain or crypto development roles and real-world Bitcoin projects.

How current is the curriculum?

Updated to reflect the latest Bitcoin Core updates, scripting standards, and developer tools.

Do I need any special software setup?

No complex setup required - instructions provided for Python, Bitcoin Core, Electrum, and related tools to get started quickly.

What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?

When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Bitcoin Scripting Foundations

Bitcoin Scripting Foundations

Instructor: AI CERTs Team

Included with Coursera Plus

Learn more

3 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

3 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Bitcoin Architecture:Understand the core structure of Bitcoin, blocks, transactions, and network validation processes using Bitcoin Core and Electrum
Cryptography Fundamentals:Learn hashing, digital signatures, public-private keys secure Bitcoin transactions, leveragingPython for hands-on exercises
Bitcoin Scripting:Write and analyze Bitcoin scripts to create programmable transactions and custom spending conditions using BitcoinJS.
Hands-On Development:Build, test, and simulate Bitcoin logic using Python-based tools, Bitcoin Core, Electrum, and open-source blockchain frameworks.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

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There are 3 modules in this course

From Blocks to Code: Bitcoin Developer Essentials

Step into the foundation of Bitcoin development with this first course in the Bitcoin+ Developer™ Specialization. Designed for aspiring blockchain and crypto developers, this program builds your technical fluency from the ground up - covering blockchain fundamentals, Bitcoin architecture, cryptographic principles, and scripting essentials. You’ll move beyond theory to explore how Bitcoin transactions are structured, validated, and secured. Through hands-on exercises, you’ll write and analyze Bitcoin scripts, understand transaction logic, and begin creating your own programmable money flows. These skills form the backbone of blockchain innovation - empowering you to design smarter, more secure systems and contribute to the evolving Bitcoin ecosystem. By the end of this course, you’ll not only grasp how Bitcoin operates under the hood, but also gain the developer mindset needed to build real applications on top of it. Complete this pathway to prepare for the next stage - scaling, security, and real-world use cases - as you progress toward the full Bitcoin+ Developer™ Certification.

What's included

21 videos1 assignment4 plugins

21 videosTotal 177 minutes

Course Introduction5 minutes
Audio Book: Course Introduction6 minutes
Audio Book: Module 1: Introduction to Bitcoin and Blockchain101 minutes
Podcast: Module 1: Introduction to Bitcoin and Blockchain11 minutes
1.1 Introduction to Bitcoin4 minutes
1.2 Digital Currency2 minutes
1.3 Popular Cryptocurrency3 minutes
1.4 P2p Cash System2 minutes
1.5 Limited Supply2 minutes
1.6 Bitcoin Ledger as a store of value2 minutes
1.7 Bitcoin as a platform for Permissionless Innovation 3 minutes
1.8 History of Bitcoin3 minutes
1.9 Key Features and their utility3 minutes
1.10 Peer-to-Peer Architecture, Absence of Central Authority, and Node Participation2 minutes
1.11 Decentralized Validation, Consensus Mechanisms, and Data Replication2 minutes
1.12 Censorship Resistance, Open Participation, Trustless Transactions, and Immutable Ledger2 minutes
1.13 Decentralization to Immutability3 minutes
1.14 Smart contracts, Permissioned vs. Permissionless Blockchains2 minutes
1.15 Scalability, Interoperability3 minutes
1.16 Block Structure, Transaction Structure, and UTXOs4 minutes
1.17 Scripting Language,Segregated Witness (SegWit), Merkle Trees, and Transaction Fees3 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Quiz 130 minutes

4 pluginsTotal 60 minutes

eBook: Module 1: Introduction to Bitcoin and Blockchai15 minutes
Activity: Tab15 minutes
Activity: Fill-in the blank15 minutes
Activity: Knowledge Check15 minutes

What's included

23 videos1 assignment7 plugins

23 videosTotal 166 minutes

Audio Book: Module 2: Bitcoin Scripting Language93 minutes
Podcast: Module 2: Bitcoin Scripting Language10 minutes
2.1 Stack-Based Language3 minutes
2.2 Limited and Deterministic2 minutes
2.3 ScriptPubKey and ScriptSig2 minutes
2.4 Operators and Operations2 minutes
2.5 Standard Script Templates3 minutes
2.6 Public Key and Hash Operations3 minutes
2.7 Public Key Hashes Comparisons2 minutes
2.8 Conditional Statements 3 minutes
2.9 Time-Locked Transactions3 minutes
2.10 OP_RETURN3 minutes
2.11 Script Evaluation5 minutes
2.12 Segregated Witness (SegWit)5 minutes
2.13 Disabling Dangerous Operations and Restricted Opcode Usage2 minutes
2.14 Validation and Verification Mechanisms2 minutes
2.15 Constant Monitoring and Updates2 minutes
2.16 Risk Assessment and Mitigation2 minutes
2.17 Community Collaboration and Feedback2 minutes
2.18 Regular Security Audits2 minutes
2.19 Principles of Least Privilege1 minute
2.20 Education and Awareness1 minute
2.21 Emergency Response Protocols1 minute

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Quiz 230 minutes

7 pluginsTotal 105 minutes

eBook: Module 2: Bitcoin Scripting Language15 minutes
Activity: Fill-in the blank15 minutes
Activity: Tab15 minutes
Activity: Tab15 minutes
Activity: Drag-and-drop15 minutes
Activity: Problem statement15 minutes
Activity: Knowledge Check15 minutes

What's included

24 videos1 assignment6 plugins

24 videosTotal 196 minutes

Audio Book: Module 3: Building on Bitcoin Script117 minutes
Podcast: Module 3: Building on Bitcoin Script14 minutes
3.1 Pay-to-Pubkey (P2PK) and Pay-to-Pubkey-Hash (P2PKH)3 minutes
3.2 Multisignature (Multisig)2 minutes
3.3 Time-Locked Transactions3 minutes
3.4 Hashed Time-Locked Contracts (HTLCs)2 minutes
3.5 Atomic Swaps3 minutes
3.6 Decred (DCR)2 minutes
3.7 BarterDEX2 minutes
3.8 Block DX2 minutes
3.9 Lightning Network2 minutes
3.10 Bisq2 minutes
3.11 Pay-to-Script-Hash (P2SH) in Bitcoin Script: Unlocking Script Flexibility2 minutes
3.12 BitGo3 minutes
3.13 GreenAddress and Electrum5 minutes
3.14 Blockstream and Coinbase2 minutes
3.15 Ledger Nano S and Trezor2 minutes
3.16 BitMEX2 minutes
3.17 Real-World Examples of P2SH Adoption in Cryptocurrency Exchanges and Wallets3 minutes
3.18 Simple Token Systems2 minutes
3.19 Counterparty (XCP), Omni Layer (OMNI), and other Applications2 minutes
3.20 Oracle Contracts2 minutes
3.21 Smart Contracts2 minutes
3.22 Colored Coins2 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Quiz 330 minutes

6 pluginsTotal 90 minutes

eBook: Module 3: Building on Bitcoin Script15 minutes
Activity: Tab15 minutes
Activity: Sequence15 minutes
Activity: Scenario15 minutes
Activity: Multiple response15 minutes
Activity: Knowledge Check15 minutes

Instructor

AI CERTs Team

AI CERTs

8 Courses979 learners

Offered by

AI CERTs

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Frequently asked questions

Aspiring blockchain developers seeking a strong foundation in Bitcoin scripting, transactions, and architecture.

Basic familiarity with Python or JavaScript helps, but hands-on labs guide you from first principles.

Python, Bitcoin Core, Electrum, and BitcoinJS for coding, testing, and simulating Bitcoin transactions.

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.