At the recent MIT Bitcoin Expo, I had the unique opportunity to engage with Sjors Provoost, a prominent developer of Bitcoin Core. After transitioning from a physicist to a Bitcoin developer in 2017, Sjors has made significant contributions to the project. His journey reflects a common trend of scientists moving into the tech space, especially in Bitcoin development.
During our meeting, Sjors shared his experiences amid the turbulent backdrop of Bitcoin’s history—particularly around the activation of Segregated Witness and the block size wars. This critical period involved several dramatic confrontations, such as the User Activated Softfork and the New York Agreement, which significantly influenced the overall ecosystem.
Besides his development work, Sjors is the co-host of the enlightening podcast Bitcoin, Explained, alongside Aaron van Wirdum, the Editor-in-Chief of Bitcoin Magazine. Their podcast attempts to elucidate complex Bitcoin topics in ways that are accessible to both technical and non-technical listeners. Recently, Sjors authored the book Bitcoin: A Work In Progress, which correlates with various podcast episodes and dives deep into the technical intricacies of Bitcoin.
I was particularly interested in how the Bitcoin Core project is structured. Sjors explained that the project operates primarily through contributions from a myriad of developers across the globe, showcasing a decentralized approach to software development. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and transparency, essential for fostering a healthy development environment. However, he also noted the challenges forum participants face. New contributors may encounter daunting complexities, which can deter potential developers interested in contributing to Bitcoin’s future.
To gain from the full richness of our discussion and learn more about the nuances of Bitcoin Core development, be sure to watch the full interview. You’ll gain valuable insights into not just the technical aspects but also the community ethos that propels Bitcoin development forward.
