33

NETWORK HEADER

Within the codebase of Bitcoin v0.1.0 resides a small but essential component: the net.h file. This file holds the keys to how nodes within the Bitcoin network interact. The net.h file defines the protocols for message transmission, data synchronization, and network reliability that were instrumental in shaping the emergent consensus mechanism.

It begins by including necessary libraries and defining constants, such as the maximum number of connections and the default port number (8333) on which Bitcoin nodes communicate. The file introduces several classes and structures. The CAddress class represents a Bitcoin node’s network address, storing information like IP, port, and the last time it was seen. This class aids in managing and tracking peer nodes in the network.

By defining how nodes communicate, discover each other, and share data, net.h ensures that the Bitcoin network remains robust, synchronized, and resistant to central points of failure.