# Bitcoin

The Internet Computer (IC) interacts with the Bitcoin blockchain through the use of `tECDSA`, the `Bitcoin integration`, and a ledger canister called `ckBTC`.

## tECDSA

`tECDSA` on the IC allows canisters to request access to threshold ECDSA keypairs on the `tECDSA` subnet. This functionality is exposed through two management canister methods:

- ecdsa_public_key
- sign_with_ecdsa

The following are examples using `tECDSA`:

- basic_bitcoin
- threshold_ecdsa

## Bitcoin integration

The `Bitcoin integration` allows canisters on the IC to interact directly with the Bitcoin network. This functionality is exposed through the following management canister methods:

- bitcoin_get_balance
- bitcoin_get_current_fee_percentiles
- bitcoin_get_utxos
- bitcoin_send_transaction

The following are examples using the `Bitcoin integration`:

- basic_bitcoin
- bitcoin

## ckBTC

`ckBTC` is a ledger canister deployed to the IC. It follows the `ICRC` standard, and can be accessed easily from an Azle canister using `azle/canisters/ICRC` if you only need the `ICRC` methods. For access to the full ledger methods you will need to create your own Service for now.

The following are examples using `ckBTC`:

- ckBTC