Bitcoin Developer Journey
My Journey into Bitcoin Development
Who am I ?
My name is Pedro, I reside in the USA and I’m currently pursuing a Computer Science degree. Some of my interests include Bitcoin, Programming, and Computer Science. When I’m not studying or at the university, I focus on the acquiring skills that will allow me to continue to create and contribute to Bitcoin open-source software. And if you’re curious, when I’m on break I catch up on reading or play guitar for a few minutes every day.
2022 My Goal become a Bitcoin OSS Dev
After my realization of how important Bitcoin is as a technology for society, I decided in late 2021 that I would focus on becoming a Bitcoin developer as my new year’s goal. I started the year searching for methods of how I could contribute as an open-source developer. I read the Mastering Bitcoin book, I read blogs from current Bitcoin developers. I made the attempt to learn various programming languages. About a month into the year, I realize my plan wasn’t defined enough. I decided to take some advice my brother proposed to me a few months back.
My brother suggested I choose a single project instead of looking at three Bitcoin projects and try to keep up with the different programming languages. I took his advice and updated my goals, “learn how to use Bitcoin Dev Kit and contribute by the end of year”. Bitcoin Dev Kit (BDK) is an open-source library use to create Bitcoin wallet applications. I researched and read as much as I could about BDK. I also attempted the tutorials on BDK’s blog and failed terribly. As I was learning BDK I noticed more and more knowledge gaps in my technical understanding of Bitcoin. This didn’t discourage me, it made me more curious to learn how Bitcoin functions. One day, as I’m scrolling through twitter I notice a Bitcoin meetup happening in about two weeks named BitDevs LA . Surprisingly, BitDevs LA guest speaker that weekend happened to be Steve from the Bitcoin Dev Kit team. This was my chance to learn more about BDK and ask questions, I decided to go.
Bit Devs LA, My first Bitcoin meet up
BitDevs LA was my first Bitcoin meetup, the guest speaker from Bitcoin Dev Kit gave updates on the project and also what their goals were this year. One of their goals this year was to on-board new devs and projects. The talk was followed by a Socratic seminar and shortly after we met up at local restaurant. I met Andrew from BitDevs LA who was nice enough to introduce me to Steve from BDK. Long story short, I asked Steve many questions on how I can start contributing. He recommended I continue reading documentation, follow the project on Github and start learning Rust, and when I was ready to contribute in any way that I could. He also suggested that I apply to Summer of Bitcoin (Bitcoin Internship) next year since application deadline for this year was over. Please make sure to pay them a visit if you happen to be in LA next time 😊.
When I got home, I did a quick web search on Summer of Bitcoin and noticed the applications were still open. Even if the deadline was past the due date, I decided to create a proposal and submitted the Summer of Bitcoin application even if the due date was past due. I thought to myself, what’s the worst they could say? No, try again next year? I applied anyway, I continued to learn more about BDK and Rust.
Summer of Bitcoin Internship
A month later, I received a message from BDK for the Summer of Bitcoin internship. I could not believe my eyes; I was accepted to intern and be a part of Summer of Bitcoin `22. I had month before the internship started, I continued learn the tools I needed to be as prepared as possibly for the internship. I continued to work every day and learn more about BDK, this was my chance to learn and contribute. I don’t think I ever took a day off; every day is a chance to become better and more efficient. You receive, what you put into anything, you reap what you sow, ran through my head. You can read more about my Summer of Bitcoin experience here.
Mini-grant recipient
After Summer of Bitcoin had finished, I didn’t want to stop contributing to BDK, so I continued to work on it as much time as I could. At the time, I was working on weekends delivering for a local pizza shop. I noticed a Superlunar mini-grant post on twitter for developers. I decided to apply and was fortunate enough to receive a mini-grant to work on BDK. This allowed me to quit my weekend job, continue my journey as an entry developer for BDK, and continue to focus on school also. My latest contribution was an appendix entry for the Mastering Bitcoin Book on BDK features and a few examples of how to use the bdk-cli app for quick testing and demonstration using Bitcoin features.
TabConf ‘22
Tabconf is the best Bitcoin conference for developers, and aspiring contributors, or anyone who wants to get involved in the Bitcoin space. I had zero plans to assist Tabconf `22, but as event was approaching I came across a Bitcoin podcast named “Building Builders”. It’s hosted by Rod @bitkite with guest speaker Stephen from Bitcoin Design, he happened to be talking about TabConf ‘22. After listening to the podcast, I was convinced I had to attend TabConf. The first day of Tabconf was named “Builder day”,a day for open-source Bitcoin projects to onboard and demo their projects to individuals that want to learn how to contribute to Bitcoin OSS. On builder day, I had the opportunity to help at the Bitcoin Dev Kit table. I assisted guests with BDK questions and troubleshoot when requested. Day 2 was filled with developer focused workshops. I met so many talented and inspiring Bitcoiners at the conference, being there makes you realize how important Bitcoin is to many individuals around the globe. Tabconf is a great place to be at if you want to learn more technical details, attend workshops, and network with some of the brightest minds in the Bitcoin space.
BitDevs Atlanta and Terminus Electric Money Lab
Before TABCONF Autumn and I had the opportunity to go to Bitdevs Atlanta as guest speakers about our Summer of Bitcoin experience. Autumn is founder of Generation Bitcoin, a community of teens learning and contributing to Bitcoin. BitDevs ATL is a Bitcoin meetup hosted by Stephen and Bryan who are also founders of Terminus Electric Money Laboratory which is a Bitcoin and Lightning hackerspace (workspace). Please make sure to pay them a visit if you happen to be in Atlanta.
Pacific Bitcoin ‘22
This year, I also had the opportunity to attend Pacific Bitcoin ‘22 and let me tell you it was pure signal. Everyone I met there was working on Bitcoin, an educator, or was passionate HODL’r and Bitcoin advocate. I was lucky to meet a few of the Swan Team Bitcoiners who work in different areas in the Bitcoin space. It was my first time meeting the Swan Team and I can tell they are like a Bitcoin family. PB ’22 was a great experience, I had the chance to listen to many Bitcoiners perspectives, their ambitions, and their goals. What do you mean a bear market ? Bitcoiners are still building. 😊
End of the Year Reflections
This is just the beginning of my developer journey. This year has been better than I could have ever hoped for. I accomplished a lot more than I thought I would, and less than I wish I could. There is still much to learn and contribute to in the Bitcoin space. My hope is that you are encouraged to take the leap of faith and make it your goal to contribute to Bitcoin for next year and if you can get involved in your local communities. Whether that is through education, art, advocacy, development, ux or assisting in Bitcoin meetups. I’m still relatively new to the Bitcoin space and development, but if you have any questions feel free to reach out. If you have a passion for Bitcoin, like being challenged, and enjoy proof of work Bitcoin is for you 😊. Until next time. Stay humble and stack Sats!
Bitcoin Open Source Projects and Communities
Bitcoin Dev Kit Lightning Dev Kit Bitcoin Design Summer of Bitcoin