bitcoin Magazine recently sat down with Lisa, founder of bitcoin++ and the Base58 bitcoin Developer course, to discuss her work and vision for structured education in the bitcoin space.
Lisa's journey in the bitcoin space has been multifaceted. She currently works part-time with Blockstream on core Lightning projects and also operates Base58, a platform designed to provide mid- and senior-level developers with in-depth knowledge of bitcoin technical development. This initiative stems from her belief that structured education can significantly improve the capabilities of the bitcoin development community.
“Structured education is hard, like a good curriculum,” Lisa said. “I think the paths that someone shows her toward her information landscape really matter in terms of her success.”
The bitcoin LARP Game: Making Learning Fun
One of the most notable initiatives under Lisa's leadership is the bitcoin LARP game. This innovative educational tool is designed to make learning about the technical aspects of bitcoin accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages and backgrounds. The game breaks down complex concepts into practical and engaging activities, allowing participants to gain confidence and a deeper understanding of bitcoin.
Lisa shared her experiences facilitating the first bitcoin LARP in Mexico, highlighting how she brought together people from various regions and countries. The success of this initiative underscores the potential of interactive and immersive learning experiences to demystify the complexities of bitcoin.
“The bitcoin LARP game is a great teaching tool for experienced engineers,” he explains. “It's so fun to see people's faces start to light up when all the pieces start to build like a model in their heads and they realize, 'Wait, I've got this. This is something I can do.'”
Understanding Mempool
Lisa's vision for Base58 includes expanding the curriculum to cover advanced topics such as Taproot, Lightning Network, and covenants. A critical component of bitcoin transaction processing that Lisa highlights is the mempool. Her research and insight into mempool mechanics reveal the nuanced and often surprising ways it operates, which is vital for developers looking to optimize transaction efficiency.
“The mempool works in surprising ways,” said Lisa. “There are many non-obvious aspects that can greatly affect how transactions are processed and prioritized.”
Lisa explained that understanding the mempool is crucial for developers who want to optimize transaction efficiency and fee management.
The importance of a good study plan
Throughout the interview, Lisa reiterated the challenge and need to develop a good curriculum. A well-structured educational pathway not only provides students with essential knowledge, but also builds their confidence to navigate the technical landscape of bitcoin. Base58 aims to be a platform where anyone can teach bitcoin-related classes, fostering a community of expert and trained developers.
“It is interesting to see how difficult it is to teach well. A good curriculum really matters,” Lisa emphasized. “Discovering the big picture and charting a path for others is essential to successful learning.”
Future plans for Base58
Looking ahead, Lisa plans to solidify Base58's presence as a premier bitcoin educational platform. This includes launching new classes, securing nonprofit status to offer scholarships, and improving the online learning experience. The goal is to create a solid structure where both experienced developers and newcomers can find valuable resources to improve their understanding and contributions to the bitcoin ecosystem.
“Ideally, I want Base58 to be a place where, if you have a class, you can teach it here without worrying about finding students,” Lisa
explained. “Helping people organize their classes, whether in person or online, is a key goal.”
Lisa's work on bitcoin++ and Base58 is paving the way for a more educated and capable bitcoin development community. By emphasizing structured education and innovative learning tools like the bitcoin LARP game, she is helping to ensure that the next generation of bitcoin developers are well-equipped to develop and advance the protocol.
