# Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA)

This course introduces the **Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA)**, the signature scheme behind Bitcoin and many secure systems.

You will explore:

* The foundations of elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) and its key parameters (a, b, p, G, q)
* The three main steps of ECDSA: key generation, signing, and verification
* Why **ephemeral key randomness** is critical for security, and how deterministic keys (RFC 6979) strengthen reliability
* The **secp256k1 curve** used in Bitcoin and signature formats that balance efficiency with authentication

By the end of the course, learners will:

* Understand how ECDSA works in practice and why it is secure
* Recognize its role as the backbone of trust in blockchain and digital communication

This course is beginner-friendly and designed to give you a clear, step-by-step understanding of one of the most important cryptographic algorithms in use today.