<p>The Bitcoin network is a decentralized network of computers (nodes), that keeps track of bitcoin (BTC, the monetary unit). The Bitcoin network has no admin, no leader, no centralized point of control. Most nodes on the network run open-source code, most commonly <a href="https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin" rel="noreferrer">bitcoin-core</a>.</p>
<p>So when that article reports that Elon Musk (or anyone, for that matter) has purchased $X worth of bitcoin, they're talking about buying the monetary unit(s) that the network works to keep track of, not the network itself. It makes no real sense to say that <em>&quot;someone bought the network&quot;</em>.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-02-24T09:28:50.407Z
Yes, it makes a lot sense now. Thanks a lot
an4s911
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-02-24T09:02:59.687Z
2022-02-24T09:02:59.687Z
chytrik
<p>I think the title is good enough but to elaborate more, if the code base the the whole bitcoin cryptocurrency is open and it is an open source project, basically non-profit, and not owned by anyone but community contributed, then how did Elon Musk <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/business-55939972" rel="nofollow noreferrer">buy it for $1.5bn</a>. Who did he buy it from?</p>

<buy-bitcoins><open-source>
How did Elon Musk buy Bitcoin when it is open source?
an4s911
# How did Elon Musk buy Bitcoin when it is open source?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2022-02-24)

I think the title is good enough but to elaborate more, if the code base the the whole bitcoin cryptocurrency is open and it is an open source project, basically non-profit, and not owned by anyone but community contributed, then how did Elon Musk [buy it for $1.5bn](https://www.bbc.com/news/business-55939972). Who did he buy it from?

**Tags:** buy-bitcoins, open-source


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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2022-02-24. Score: 5 | Accepted answer

The Bitcoin network is a decentralized network of computers (nodes), that keeps track of bitcoin (BTC, the monetary unit). The Bitcoin network has no admin, no leader, no centralized point of control. Most nodes on the network run open-source code, most commonly [bitcoin-core](https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin).

So when that article reports that Elon Musk (or anyone, for that matter) has purchased $X worth of bitcoin, they're talking about buying the monetary unit(s) that the network works to keep track of, not the network itself. It makes no real sense to say that *"someone bought the network"*.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Yes, it makes a lot sense now. Thanks a lot  

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