That Goddamned Blockchain

Apparently the "topic du jour" in Bitcoin land is the frustration with having to download the blockchain when you first install the Bitcoin client. See here, here, and a slightly calmer guy here.

I agree. It's a pain in the ass and it's scaring off countless new users that probably think their computers are going to explode or that they've downloaded a virus.

Fortunately, the requirement is going away. In Gavin Andresen's "State of Bitcoin Development" update this week, he mentioned, that in the near-term, the client will be updated such that it will download only the block headers when it is initially installed, thus making the startup experience more user-friendly.

In the interim, if you're going to recommend Bitcoin to someone and they're not very computer-savvy nor dealing with large quantities of Bitcoin, I would recommend an alternative client, such as MultiBit, or even one of the mobile clients, like Bitcoin Wallet for Android. Again, that's only if they're dealing with small amounts of Bitcoin. I'm hesitant to recommend an e-wallet due to their notorious history, but Flexcoin seems legitimate. Using a MtGox or Tradehill account is probably safer.

If they're going to be storing hundreds of dollars in Bitcoins, talk them through the (secure) standard client and explain to them that they will have to take a few hours to download and process the blockchain, and that it's perfectly normal.

Bitcoin is still young and experiencing growing pains, but there's no need to be cranky about it! Remember, the developers are working for free, and the product will continue to improve.

I would like to hear your opinions on the topic, please vote in the poll on the right and leave your comments below.

Posted in: blockchain,client