> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://hub.bsvblockchain.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://hub.bsvblockchain.org/higher-learning/bsv-academy/bsv-basics-protocol-and-design/introduction-to-bitcoin-protocol-and-design/the-bitcoin-ledger.md).
# The Bitcoin Ledger
In conventional accounting practices, **ledgers** are utilized to track the flow of money as it is spent and received. Bitcoin builds upon this foundational concept by employing a **global ledger** that records and maintains the state of all Bitcoin transactions. This ledger is continuously updated and shared among all participants in the network, **ensuring that every peer agrees on a single, unified state of transactions**.
When we refer to the **Bitcoin ledger**, we are discussing this **global record** that encompasses all transactions ever made using Bitcoin. This distributed ledger is a critical component of the Bitcoin ecosystem, as it **enhances transparency and security**.
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