Q&A: How do you verify if you are connecting to the final and correct Bitcoin blockchain?

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Q: How do you verify if you are connecting to the final and correct Bitcoin blockchain? Is it published in one specific place, or do you need to find it and identify it?

A: There isn't a single published "official" source. Instead, the correct chain is determined through a decentralized consensus mechanism.

Here's how it generally works:

  1. 1
    Longest chain rule: In Bitcoin, the valid blockchain is typically considered to be the longest chain with the most accumulated proof-of-work. This is often referred to as the "longest chain" or "heaviest chain" rule
  2. 2
    Network consensus: When you run a Bitcoin node, it connects to multiple other nodes on the network. These nodes share information about blocks and transactions
  3. 3
    Initial blockchain download: When setting up a new full node, it will download and verify the entire blockchain from its connected peers. It will follow the chain with the most accumulated proof-of-work
Bitcoin Blockchain Nodes
  1. 4
    Checkpoints: Bitcoin Core software includes some hardcoded checkpoints for known valid blocks at certain heights. These serve as additional references to ensure you're on the correct chain, especially during initial sync (Note that Checkpoints are legacy and may be removed in the future)
  2. 5
    Continued verification: As new blocks are added, a node continues to verify them according to the Bitcoin protocol rules
  3. 6
    Multiple implementations: While Bitcoin Core is the most widely used implementation, there are other compatible implementations. They all follow the same protocol rules, ensuring they stay on the same blockchain
  4. 7
    Block explorers and other services: While not authoritative sources, public block explorers can be used as a reference to cross-check block information

To ensure you're on the correct chain:

  1. Use reputable, up-to-date Bitcoin wallet software. The software will connect in the background to a Bitcoin node
  2. Install and run your own Bitcoin node to verify the blockchain yourself. Then, set your Bitcoin wallet to connect to your own node (note all wallets have this feature)

Remember, there's no central authority that dictates the "correct" blockchain. Instead, it emerges from the decentralized consensus of network participants all following the same rules.

*Blog featured screenshot from mempool.space

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