Understand the project
Practical overview
When it fits
Use Bcoin when a project needs a JavaScript-oriented Bitcoin protocol implementation that can serve as a node, backend, or library.
Who it is for
- Node.js developers building Bitcoin applications or services.
- Teams implementing wallet, mining, or Lightning backends.
- Developers who need a full or SPV Bitcoin node.
Documented uses
- Run a Bitcoin full node or SPV node.
- Use wallet and node APIs in an application.
- Build mining software using getblocktemplate support.
- Use Bcoin as a Lightning backend or general-purpose Bitcoin library.
Before you choose
Requirements & limits
The repository is publicly accessible and identifies the project as open source under the MIT license.
- Bcoin supports both full-node and SPV-node roles.
- Mining-backend support specifically includes getblocktemplate.
- Wallet/node APIs and general library APIs have separate documentation.
- The README's basic installation flow uses Git and npm.
Check current requirements in the official documentation. Source-based guidance does not mean OpenViST has run or independently tested this project.
Source-based practical guide
Set up Bcoin from its Git repository
Prepare the repository and launch the documented Bcoin command.
Before you start
- Git
- npm
Steps
Clone https://github.com/bcoin-org/bcoin.
Change into the bcoin directory.
Run npm rebuild.
Run ./bin/bcoin.
Expected outcome
The repository's documented Bcoin command is launched.
Guide limitations
- The README points to the Getting Started guide for more detailed installation instructions.
- This sequence does not configure a particular node, wallet, mining, or Lightning integration.
Evidence and transparency
Sources & review
Source record details
- Source availability
- Active
- Sources checked
- 18 October 2026
- Original website title
- bcoin-org/bcoin · Official homepage title · retained in its source language