> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://guides.getalby.com/creators/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://guides.getalby.com/creators/value-for-value-podcaster-guide/3.-what-is-bitcoin-and-the-lightning-network.md). # 3. What is Bitcoin and the Lightning Network? In case you’re not already familiar, Bitcoin is a digital commodity that is the result of an effort to apply blockchain technology to create an ideal money. It represents a significant breakthrough in how society transacts and stores value beyond the limitations (and ethical violations) of the traditional banking system. Bitcoin is not perfect, given the limitations of blockchain technology, but its traits as potentially the most decentralized and secure crypto asset lays the foundation to create the most ethically and pragmatically sound money in history. The Lightning Network is a layer of software that improves upon the limitations of the Bitcoin blockchain. It does so by employing a clever payment protocol that maintains a record of Bitcoin transactions without requiring that each is processed individually by the Bitcoin blockchain network. The result is drastically lower energy consumption, and a versatile payment network for anyone with access to the internet. The Lightning Network also enables incredibly inexpensive micropayments, which simplifies online value exchange, and opens access to the value of Bitcoin for the billions of people who can only afford a minute fraction of one. Podcast listeners, for instance, are able to compensate content creators for their work and interact with them directly in a real-time creator economy. Another example is that people sending money to relatives across borders can do so for a fraction of a cent using Bitcoin on the Lightning Network. Value on the Lightning Network is typically denominated in “satoshis” or “sat”, of which there are 100 million per one Bitcoin. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://guides.getalby.com/creators/value-for-value-podcaster-guide/3.-what-is-bitcoin-and-the-lightning-network.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.