What are Layer 2 solutions?

Layer 2 solutions like the Lightning Network help Bitcoin scale faster, enabling quicker transactions and lower fees.

Are there practical projects?

Yes. You’ll design mini Layer 2 applications and evaluate security considerations for real-world Bitcoin use cases.

How is security addressed?

Learn safe scripting patterns, threat models, and best practices to protect Bitcoin applications against common vulnerabilities.

Will this help me build real applications?

Absolutely. Pathway B emphasizes applying knowledge to create functional, secure, and scalable Bitcoin solutions.

How are assessments structured?

Quizzes after each module and a mini-project/case study will test your Layer 2 and security knowledge.

What comes after this pathway?

You’ll progress to Pathway C for integration, innovation, and the capstone project, completing the full Bitcoin+ Developer™ Specialization.

Will I get a certificate here?

No. Certification is granted only after completing all three pathways and passing the unified proctored exam.

What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?

When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Bitcoin Scaling & Security

Bitcoin Scaling & Security

Instructor: AI CERTs Team

Included with Coursera Plus

Learn more

3 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

3 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Scale Bitcoin Applications: Implement Layer 2 solutions like Lightning Network to increase transaction speed & reduce fees using Python and BitcoinJS
Build Real-World Use Cases: Develop applications for payments, bridging, and decentralized workflows with Electrum, Umbrel, and APIs.
Secure Bitcoin Deployments: Apply best practices for script security, threat mitigation, auditing using Python and open-source blockchain frameworks.
Hands-On Projects: Integrate Layer 2 solutions, scripts, and APIs to design mini-projects that mirror real Bitcoin development challenges.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

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There are 3 modules in this course

Scaling, Security & Applications: Bitcoin Developer Intermediate

Dive into the next stage of Bitcoin development with this intermediate course in the Bitcoin+ Developer™ Specialization. Building on foundational scripting skills from Pathway A, you’ll explore how to scale Bitcoin applications and implement security best practices for real-world solutions. Learn how Layer 2 solutions like the Lightning Network enhance transaction speed and network efficiency, and examine practical use cases that bring Bitcoin to life in payments, bridging, and decentralized applications. Security is paramount - you’ll understand common threat models, apply safe scripting practices, and analyze vulnerabilities to safeguard your code. Hands-on exercises and mini-projects ensure you move from theory to practice, giving you the confidence to design secure, scalable Bitcoin workflows. By the end of this course, you’ll be equipped to implement robust Bitcoin applications and be fully prepared for the final pathway — integration, innovation, and capstone - leading toward the full Bitcoin+ Developer™ Certification. This course is essential for developers aiming to bridge foundational knowledge with applied skills in Bitcoin scaling, security, and real-world applications.

What's included

29 videos1 assignment4 plugins

29 videosTotal 215 minutes

Audio Book: Module 1: Layer 2 Scaling Solutions106 minutes
Podcast: Module 1: Layer 2 Scaling Solutions14 minutes
1.1 Layer 2 Definition4 minutes
1.2 Architecture of Layer 2 solutions3 minutes
1.3 Lightning Network (LN)3 minutes
1.4 Micro-Payment Platforms and Instant Payment Platforms3 minutes
1.5 Streaming Services and Lightning Network Node Integration3 minutes
1.6 Backend Server Processing and Frontend Interface2 minutes
1.7 Tippin.me4 minutes
1.8 LNmarkets and Bottlepay3 minutes
1.9 Zap2 minutes
1.10 Bottlepay2 minutes
1.11 Liquid Network3 minutes
1.12 Elements Sidechain3 minutes
1.13 Working and implementation of confidential assests5 minutes
1.14 Dynamic Membership Multi-Signature3 minutes
1.15 Atomic Swaps2 minutes
1.16 Technical details of the transaction malleability fix in the Elements Sidechain2 minutes
1.17 Projects and initiatives that utilize the Elements sidechain framework for various use cases.2 minutes
1.18 Rootstock (RSK)1 minute
1.19 Two-Way Pegging: Bitcoin & RSK in Action3 minutes
1.20 RSK’s Federation Security Model2 minutes
1.21 Smart Bitcoin (RBTC) on RSK2 minutes
1.22 Merge Mining on RSK2 minutes
1.23 Working of two-way pegging mechanism 3 minutes
1.24 Statechains5 minutes
1.25 Drivechain4 minutes
1.26 Plasma5 minutes
1.27 Counterparty4 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Quiz 130 minutes

4 pluginsTotal 60 minutes

eBook: Module 1: Layer 2 Scaling Solutions15 minutes
Activity: Drag-and-drop15 minutes
Activity: Case study analysis15 minutes
Activity: Knowledge Check15 minutes

What's included

27 videos1 assignment5 plugins

27 videosTotal 160 minutes

Audio Book: Module 2: Use Cases and Projects Using Layer 268 minutes
Podcast: Module 2: Use Cases and Projects Using Layer 29 minutes
2.1 Microtransactions and Micropayments4 minutes
2.2 Satoshi's Games2 minutes
2.3 OpenNode3 minutes
2.4 Bitrefill2 minutes
2.5 LNmarkets2 minutes
2.6 Sphinx Chat2 minutes
2.7 TippinBot2 minutes
2.8 Retail Payments4 minutes
2.9 Bitfinex's architecture3 minutes
2.10 Remittances3 minutes
2.11 Strike: Implementation, Architecture, and Use Case2 minutes
2.12 Breez: Implementation, Architecture, and Use Case2 minutes
2.13 Gaming and Digital Assets3 minutes
2.14 Gaming and Digital Assets: Real-World Examples2 minutes
2.15 Tokenized Assets and Securities4 minutes
2.16 Implementation and architecture details of the Liquid Network1 minute
2.17 Decentralized Finance (DeFi)2 minutes
2.18 Streaming and Content Monetization3 minutes
2.19 Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)5 minutes
2.20 Supply Chain and Provenance4 minutes
2.21 Cross-Platform Token Swaps3 minutes
2.22 Decentralized Identity3 minutes
2.23 Smart Contracts and Oracles3 minutes
2.24 Off-Chain Voting Systems3 minutes
2.25 Layer 2 Applications for IoT4 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Quiz 230 minutes

5 pluginsTotal 75 minutes

eBook: Module 2: Use Cases and Projects Using Layer 215 minutes
Activity: Drag-and-drop15 minutes
Activity: Multiple response question15 minutes
Activity: True/False15 minutes
Activity: Knowledge Check15 minutes

What's included

23 videos1 assignment7 plugins

23 videosTotal 153 minutes

Audio book: Module 3: Security and Best Practices 87 minutes
Podcast: Module 3: Security and Best Practices 12 minutes
3.1 Bitcoin Script Fundamentals3 minutes
3.2 Standard Script Templates2 minutes
3.3 Validate Input Data2 minutes
3.4 Implement Multi-Signature for Enhanced Security2 minutes
3.5 Avoid Unnecessary Complexity2 minutes
3.6 Understanding Time-Lock Constraints 2 minutes
3.7 Best Practices for Secure Coding2 minutes
3.8 Importance of Thorough Script Testing2 minutes
3.9 Importance of Updating Dependencies2 minutes
3.10 Secure Key Management3 minutes
3.11 Audit Code and Smart Contracts2 minutes
3.12 Monitor for Anomalies2 minutes
3.13 Educate Users on Security Best Practices2 minutes
3.14 Secure Communication2 minutes
3.15 Secure Funding Transactions2 minutes
3.16 Implementing Secure Multi-Signature Wallets2 minutes
3.17 Carefully Design Smart Contracts2 minutes
3.18 Secure Channel Updates2 minutes
3.19 Monitor Channel States1 minute
3.20 Channel Management Security2 minutes
3.21 Privacy Considerations1 minute

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Quiz 330 minutes

7 pluginsTotal 105 minutes

eBook: Module 3: Security and Best Practices 15 minutes
Activity: Tab15 minutes
Activity: Tab15 minutes
Activity: Accordion15 minutes
Activity: Scenario15 minutes
Activity: True/False15 minutes
Activity: Knowledge Check15 minutes

Instructor

AI CERTs Team

AI CERTs

8 Courses979 learners

Offered by

AI CERTs

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Frequently asked questions

Focuses on scaling Bitcoin applications, Layer 2 solutions, real-world use cases, and security best practices for developers.

Yes. Completion of Pathway A or equivalent understanding of Bitcoin scripting is recommended.

Hands-on experience with Bitcoin Core, Electrum, Python, and open-source frameworks for secure Layer 2 development.

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.