bitcoin-qt
TLDR
Start Bitcoin Core with graphical interface
SYNOPSIS
bitcoin-qt [options]
DESCRIPTION
bitcoin-qt is the graphical user interface for Bitcoin Core, the reference implementation of the Bitcoin protocol. It provides a full Bitcoin node with wallet functionality and a user-friendly interface for sending, receiving, and managing Bitcoin.
Running bitcoin-qt downloads and verifies the entire Bitcoin blockchain (several hundred gigabytes). It connects to the Bitcoin peer-to-peer network, validates transactions and blocks, and relays them to other nodes.
The wallet features include address generation, transaction history, coin control, and fee estimation. It supports multiple wallets, watch-only addresses, and hardware wallet integration.
PARAMETERS
-datadir= path
Specify data directory.-testnet
Use the test network.-regtest
Enter regression test mode.-prune= n
Reduce storage by deleting old blocks (MB).-maxconnections= n
Limit peer connections.-proxy= ip:port
Connect through SOCKS5 proxy.-onion= ip:port
Use separate proxy for Tor.-listen
Accept incoming connections.-server
Accept JSON-RPC commands.-rpcuser= user
RPC username.-rpcpassword= pass
RPC password.-min
Start minimized.-splash= 0|1
Show splash screen on startup.-resetguisettings
Reset GUI settings to defaults.-choosedatadir
Show data directory chooser on startup.-lang= lang
Set interface language.
CAVEATS
Initial blockchain sync takes hours to days depending on hardware and network. Full node requires 500+ GB disk space (or use pruning). High bandwidth usage during sync and operation. Wallet file (wallet.dat) should be backed up securely. Running on mainnet involves real money.
HISTORY
Bitcoin Core was originally written by Satoshi Nakamoto and released in January 2009 as the first Bitcoin implementation. The graphical interface (bitcoin-qt) was added later using the Qt framework. After Satoshi's departure, development continued under lead maintainers including Gavin Andresen, Wladimir van der Laan, and others. It remains the reference implementation that defines Bitcoin protocol rules.
SEE ALSO
bitcoind(1), bitcoin-cli(1), bitcoin-wallet(1)
