Bitcoin Core is the “gold standard” in Bitcoin software, representing a full node client and codebase that enforces the consensus rules. Initially launched by Satoshi Nakamoto, it has since evolved under the stewardship of a global community of open-source contributors. It’s generally seen as the authoritative reference for protocol behavior.

Most Bitcoin Improvement Proposals (BIPs) are tested and eventually integrated into Bitcoin Core, though not all changes are accepted automatically. The robust review process underscores Bitcoin’s decentralized nature: no one entity can unilaterally impose changes. By running Bitcoin Core, users gain maximum security and help secure the network by independently validating all blocks and transactions.