As bitcoin heads into July, theprotocol stands on the cusp of major changes to its code.

The result of years of heated discussion onhow to expand the capabilities of bitcoin for greater transaction volumes, two key proposals now stand on the verge ofpotentially disrupting or upgrading the network.

While generally described as a "civil war," the battle over bitcoin's technical roadmap is more nuanced.

Yet, that's not to say there couldn't be real consequences.

To help readers understand this turbulent time, we're assembling content, both new and old, to serve as a guide to the debate and a real-time way to track news and updates.

In the days to come, we'll be updating this post as a resource. We're happy to consider collaborations and improvements as we seek to inform the world about changes and movements in bitcoin code.

"Either the$40bn economic network...ison the verge of the biggest change initshistory, or the most advancedscalingcompromise is headed toward its biggest political failure."

Penned by CoinDesk's Pete Rizzo and Alyssa Hertig, this articles gives a 10,000-foot view on bitcoin's upcoming code changes.

A Bitcoin Scaling Upgrade: How It Could Finally Happen (And How It Could Fail)

The piece helps frame the debate, and serves as an introduction to the key concepts and timelines we'll be covering in more depth in the coming weeks and months.

Other media outlets have since offered (and will likely continue to offer) their takes on the situation ahead. Below, is a list ofthe ones we think have done a good job overviewing the debate.

Recommendedreading:

Along the way, we'll releasenew guides and explainers aimed at taking high-level looks at some of the more granular aspects of the code proposals.

First up, you may want to learn more about Segwit2x. The most widely supported (and most controversial proposal), Segwit2x has perhaps the greatest chance of being activated on the bitcoin blockchain.

In this explainer piece, Alyssa Hertig outlines (in simple terms) what the proposal aims to do, what inspired it and how it works.

Explainer: What Is SegWit2x and What Does It Mean for Bitcoin?

Bythis time, you've probably noticed the term 'forks' getting thrown around quite a bit. Going deeper, there are even different kinds of forks (hard forks, soft forks) as well as specific ways they can be introduced to a blockchain network.

In this explainer, Amy Castor outlines what a bitcoin fork is, how they work and what can happen if they go wrong.

A Short Guide to Bitcoin Forks

Apart from the Segwit2x scaling proposal, there's also BIP148, which stands in stark contrast as perhaps its biggest rival.

A response to miners and startups pushing their view on the bitcoin roadmap, some bitcoin users have threatened revolt in the form of this bitcoin improvement proposal.

Here, Alyssa Hertig explains the proposal and its possible implications.

Bitcoin's 'Independence Day': Could Users Tip the Scales in the Scaling Debate?

Recommendedreading:

Once you're past the 101, you may want to dive deeper tounderstand the cultural and intellectual underpinnings of the debate.

Like any good 'Civil War', should we go so far as to use the term, both sides are backed by evolving ideologies that continue to become more complex.

In the following article, Pete Rizzo wades into explaining the influence miners, startups and developers have on the bitcoin network, exploringwhat keeps these groups together, as well as the issues (personal and technical) keeping them at odds.

Who Watches Bitcoin's Watchmen? Scaling's Great Game of Egos

This isn'tto say the scaling debate is a new story.

In fact, disagreements have gone on so long, many have feared (or hoped) they would never come to any head. Below, Alyssa Hertig looks at some of the reasons why bitcoin has so far avoided a scaling solution.

Bitcoin's Broken Record: Why the Scaling Debate Isn't Going Away

But, who doesn't want to scale? It turns out, there might be valid and well-reasoned arguments for this outlook.

In this feature piece, Pete Rizzo examines this question, highlighting how it's quite possible bitcoin's resistance to scaling could be considered a feature of the code, and proof of its strength and strong design.

Scaling Revisited: What If Bitcoin's Big 'Problem' is Its Great Strength?

Recommendedreading:

Disclosure: CoinDesk is a subsidiary of Digital Currency Group, which helped organize the Segwit2x agreement.

Image via Alex Sunnarborg for CoinDesk

The leader in blockchain news, CoinDesk is an independent media outlet that strives for the highest journalistic standards and abides by a strict set of editorial policies. Interested in offering your expertise or insights to our reporting? Contact us at [emailprotected].

Read the original:

Bitcoin Scaling Watch: News & Guides to Navigate the Coming Clash of Code - CoinDesk