> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.theblockchainlibrary.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Lightning Network

> A Bitcoin Layer-2 payment network using bidirectional channels to enable rapid, low-cost off-chain transactions.

# Lightning Network

A Bitcoin Layer-2 payment network using bidirectional channels to enable rapid, low-cost off-chain transactions.

## Definition

A Bitcoin Layer-2 payment network using bidirectional channels to enable rapid, low-cost off-chain transactions.

## Why it matters

Bitcoin-specific terms explain the architecture, monetary policy, and transaction model of the first major blockchain network.

## Related knowledge

* [Bitcoin](/categories/bitcoin) — term
* [Mining](/generated/v2/glossary/mining) — term
* [Proof of Work](/generated/v2/glossary/proof-of-work) — term
* [UTXO](/generated/v2/glossary/utxo) — term

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**Canonical knowledge ID:** `glossary:lightning-network`