Spelling and capitalization of the word "bitcoin"

[davidsmcnally]

So is it "Bitcoin" or "BitCoin" or "bitcoin"? When can/should I use "BTC"?

There should probably be more official rules for its spelling and capitalization. Just sayin.'

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[edgeworth]

I think it should be a single noun like any other: bitcoin, similar to dollar, euro etc. That said, it's a bit more than a virtual commodity or currency and a little more like a brand, like paypal or visa so in that capacity I think it should use a capital B.

[Michael]

Rules? Where we're going, we don't need rules.

But if you want some rules, it's simple. Proper nouns come with a capital, other nouns don't need 'em (except where they do, such as the start of sentences). Bitcoin and bitcoins are not proper nouns if talking about the unit of currency, but may be if you are talking about the project or software.

As for BTC, that's just a shorthand, the same as USD is a shorthand for US dollar. Use it in place of "bitcoin" if you want.

[ribuck]

Rules? Where we're going, we don't need rules.

Indeed.

But a common convention is to write "Bitcoin" for the name of the system, and "bitcoin" or "bitcoins" for transaction amounts.

So, for example, "I sent Sally ten bitcoins using the standard Bitcoin client", or "I bought a bitcoin from the MtGox Bitcoin exchange".