Bisq Wiki - User contributions [en]

Table of penalties

2021-09-07T23:48:22Z

Willygoldman: typo

''' BTC Buyer issues:'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Buyer Issues !! Suggested Resolution
|-
| Buyer does not respond to mediator for 48 hours || Buyer loses 25% of the trade amount. Buyer retains the rest of their security deposit.
|-
| Buyer accepts trade but does not have the payment method needed (eg accepted Zelle trade but has no Zelle account) || Buyer loses 10% of the trade amount. Buyer retains the rest of their security deposit.
|-
| Buyer wants to cancel trade due to problems with bank, lack of funds, change of mind, etc || Buyer loses 20% of the trade amount. Buyer retains the rest of their security deposit.
|-
| Buyer is asking for selfie, copy of ID of seller, home address. || Buyer loses 10% of the trade amount. Buyer retains the rest of their security deposit. Seller can choose whether to provide or not. *Bisq should incentivize accounts that do not ask for any more information than necessary and penalize users that trade with banks that add for more information than necessary.
|-
| Buyer uses BTC, Bisq, Bitcoin, BTC Tx ID, etc as a payment reference || Buyer loses 25% of of the trade amount. Buyer retains the rest of their security deposit.
|-
| Buyer claims they were unable to pay in time of payment window due to Bisq wallet being corrupted and needing to resync, unable to log into Bisq, other problem. || Buyer provides evidence that they were unable to access Bisq (Git Hub issue / Keybase chat etc). If unable Buyer loses 25% of the trade amount. Buyer retains the rest of their security deposit.
|-
| Buyer uses unagreed potentially concerning payment reference that such as 'payment for services', 'house rewire', 'consultancy' || Buyer loses 10% of the trade amount. Buyer retains the rest of their security deposit.
|-
| Buyer uses unagreed innocuous payment reference that such as holiday fund, flowers without agreement || Buyer loses 5% of the trade amount. Buyer retains the rest of their security deposit.
|-
| Buyer attempts to debit sellers account using their bank details. || Buyer loses 100% of of the trade amount. Buyer retains the rest of their security deposit.
|-
| Buyer raises request for refund from Revolt / TransferWise due to buyer using their account to sell them Bitcoin. || Buyer loses 100% of of the trade amount. Buyer retains the rest of their security deposit.
|-
| Buyer makes payment to wrong account that have previously used to trade with the seller || Buyer loses 5% of the trade amount. Buyer retains the rest of their security deposit. Seller has the option to refund buyer.
|-
| Buyer makes payment from an account with a account number than their payment methods || Buyer loses 10% of the trade amount (If account number different but name the same). Buyer retains the rest of their security deposit
|-
| Buyer makes payment from an account with a different name || Buyer loses 25% of the trade amount. Buyer retains the rest of their security deposit.
|-
| Buyer takes SEPA payment and then sends payment via SWIFT, or takes SEPA payment then send via TransferWise etc || Buyer loses 10% of the trade amount. Buyer retains the rest of their security deposit.
|-
| Buyer takes altcoin offer and then sends altcoin with a low fee that gets held up in the blockchain.|| Buyer has the option to do CPFP or similar. If late buyer loses the following; 0-24 hours late: Buyer loses 2.5% of the trade amount., 24-48 hours late: Buyer loses 5% of the trade amount, 48-72 hours late: Buyer loses 7.5% of the trade amount, 72-96 hours late: Buyer loses 10% of the trade amount. Any payment by buyer and seller has option to refund buyer.
|-
| Buyer does not make payment in trade window || If late buyer loses the following; 0-24 hours late: Buyer loses 5% of the trade amount., 24-48 hours late: Buyer loses 10% of the trade amount, 48-72 hours late: Buyer loses 15% of the trade amount.
|-
| Buyer makes payment from an account with a different name, account number than their payment methods || Buyer loses 10% of the trade amount. Buyer retains the rest of their security deposit. Any late payment by buyer and seller has option to refund buyer.
|-
| Buyer made a mistake they actually meant to sell not buy BTC. || Buyer has the option to complete the trade within the trade window. If they fail to do this Buyer loses the following; 0-24 hours late: Buyer loses 2.5% of the trade amount, 24-48 hours late: Buyer loses 5% of the trade amount, 48-72 hours late: Buyer loses 7.5% of the trade amount, 72-96 hours late: Buyer loses 10% of the trade amount. Any late payment by buyer and seller has option to refund buyer. This is to prevent option buying.
|-
| Buyer sends random / incorrect payment amount. || Buyer has the option to send the correct amount within the trade window. If they fail to do this Buyer loses the following; 0-24 hours late: Buyer loses 2.5% of the trade amount, 24-48 hours late: Buyer loses 5% of the trade amount, 48-72 hours late: Buyer loses 7.5% of the trade amount, 72-96 hours late: Buyer loses 10% of the trade amount. Any late full payment by buyer and seller has option to refund buyer.

|}

''' BTC Seller issues:'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Seller Issues !! Suggested Resolution
|-
| Seller does not respond to mediator for 48 hours || Seller loses 25% of the trade amount. Seller retains the rest of their security deposit.
|-
| Seller accepts trade but does not have the payment method needed (eg accepted Zelle trade but has no Zelle account) || Seller loses 10% of the trade amount. Seller retains the rest of their security deposit.
|-
| Seller wants to cancel trade due to problems with bank, lack of funds, change of mind, etc || Seller loses 20% of the trade amount. Seller retains the rest of their security deposit.
|-
| Seller is asking for selfie, copy of ID of seller, home address. || Seller loses 10% of the trade amount. Seller retains the rest of their security deposit. Buyer can choose whether to provide or not. *Bisq should incentivize accounts that do not ask for any more information than necessary and penalize users that trade with banks that add for more information than necessary.
|-
| Seller claims they were unable to release BTC in time of payment window due to Bisq wallet being corrupted and needing to resync, unable to log into Bisq, other problem. || Seller provides evidence that they were unable to access Bisq (Git Hub issue / Keybase chat etc). If unable Seller loses 25% of the trade amount. Seller retains the rest of their security deposit.
|-
| Seller attempts to debit sellers account using their bank details. || Buyer loses 100% of of the trade amount. Buyer retains the rest of their security deposit.
|-
| Seller raises mediation in error then completes release of BTC outside of trade window || Seller loses the following; 0-24 hours late: Seller loses 5% of the trade amount., 24-48 hours late: Seller loses 10% of the trade amount, 48-72 hours late: Seller loses 15% of the trade amount, 72-96 hours late: Seller loses 20% of the trade amount. Seller loses 20% of the trade amount, Over 96 hours late: Seller loses 25% of the trade amount.

|-
| Seller accepts SEPA instant trade but is unable to receive a SEPA Instant payment at they only have a SEPA account || If BTC release occurs outside of payment window, Seller loses 2.5% of the trade amount., 0-24 hours late: Seller loses 5% of the trade amount., 24-48 hours late: Seller loses 10% of the trade amount, 48-72 hours late: Seller loses 15% of the trade amount, 72-96 hours late: Seller loses 20% of the trade amount. Seller loses 20% of the trade amount, Over 96 hours late: Seller loses 25% of the trade amount.
|-
| Seller does not release BTC in trade window || If late Seller loses the following; 0-24 hours late: Seller loses 5% of the trade amount., 24-48 hours late: Seller loses 10% of the trade amount, 48-72 hours late: Seller loses 15% of the trade amount, 72-96 hours late: Seller loses 20% of the trade amount. Seller loses 20% of the trade amount, Over 96 hours late: Seller loses 25% of the trade amount.
|-
| Seller made a mistake they actually meant to buy not sell BTC, but offer was taken.|| Buyer has the option to do CPFP or similar. If late buyer loses the following; 0-24 hours late: Buyer loses 2.5% of the trade amount., 24-48 hours late: Buyer loses 5% of the trade amount, 48-72 hours late: Buyer loses 7.5% of the trade amount, 72-96 hours late: Buyer loses 10% of the trade amount. Any payment by buyer and seller has option to refund buyer.
|-
|Seller has the option to complete the trade within the trade window. If they fail to do this Seller loses the following; 0-24 hours late: Seller loses 5% of the trade amount., 24-48 hours late: Seller loses 10% of the trade amount, 48-72 hours late: Seller loses 15% of the trade amount, 72-96 hours late: Seller loses 20% of the trade amount. Seller loses 20% of the trade amount, Over 96 hours late: Seller loses 25% of the trade amount. |
|}

Downloading and installing

2021-08-23T02:54:30Z

Willygoldman: /* Linux (General) */ grammar

To use Bisq, you must first '''[https://bisq.network/downloads/ download and install]''' it. Most exchanges are centralized exchanges running on servers controlled by the exchange. Bisq is decentralized, running only on the desktops of Bisq users. This means there is no single point of control or failure.

Bisq manages offers to trade using a peer-to-peer network. This is a global network only made of users who are also running Bisq on their own computers.

Centralized services are easy to monitor, block, and shut down, while peer-to-peer networks like BitTorrent, Bitcoin and Bisq are difficult to surveil, censor, shutdown or hack.

All of this means that if you want to use the Bisq network, you must download and run the software and become part of the Bisq network.

== Download Bisq ==

The most convenient way to install Bisq on your machine is from a pre-built install file from the [https://bisq.network/downloads/ Bisq website] or [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest latest GitHub release].

There's also a community-maintained [https://snapcraft.io/bisq-desktop Snap package] for various Linux distributions.

{{Admonition_Note|See [[#OS-specific_install_notes|install notes for various Linux distributions below]].}}

You can download the installer for your operating system and install Bisq right away, but we strongly recommend that you [[ #Verify installer file | verify the integrity ]] of your installer file first.

'''If you have issues, please check the ''Known issues with installation'' section in [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest release notes].'''

== Verify installer file ==

Any software that manages funds, signs transactions, and deals with highly sensitive data is a prime target for malware. Bisq does all three. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you verify the integrity of the installer file you use to install Bisq.

This verification is something that you should do for the initial Bisq install. After inital verification and install when updates to Bisq are available, you will be prompted to download and install them through Bisq's interface. The Bisq software will verify the integrity of updates for you.

Bisq installer files are currently built and signed by Christoph Atteneder (ripcurlx). His public key ID is <code>29CDFD3B</code> and fingerprint is <code>CB36 D7D2 EBB2 E35D 9B75 500B CD5D C1C5 29CD FD3B</code>, which you can verify through [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/commits?author=ripcurlx commits on GitHub] and [https://keybase.io/ripcurlx on Keybase].

The full public key is available [https://bisq.network/pubkey/29CDFD3B.asc here on the Bisq website].

=== Obtain signature files for installer files ===

To verify your installer file is intact and as the developer intended, you will need the PGP signature file corresponding to the installer file you downloaded.

On the [https://bisq.network/downloads/ Bisq website's download page], download the PGP signature file for the installer file you downloaded before.

If you prefer to download from GitHub, you will see the <code>.asc</code> file for your installer in the assets section [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest of the release] along with the installer file itself.

In either case, the filename for the <code>.asc</code> you download should be identical to the filename for the installer file, just with <code>.asc</code> appended (e.g., signature file for <code>Bisq-1.2.7.dmg</code> would be <code>Bisq-1.2.7.dmg.asc</code>).

Once you've got the installer file and its corresponding signature file, proceed to the directions for your operating system below.

=== Windows ===

Once you have downloaded the installer file and corresponding signature file:

'''Download ripcurlx's public key'''

Download ripcurlx's public key [https://bisq.network/pubkey/29CDFD3B.asc here on the Bisq website].

'''Download and install Gpg4win'''

Windows does not come with GPG software installed by default, so you will need to install it in order to verify Bisq's installer files.

You can get Gpg4win [https://www.gpg4win.org/ here].

Double-click the installer file and proceed to install with all default settings.

'''Import ripcurlx's public key'''

In Kleopatra, import ripcurlx's public key file <code>29CDFD3B.asc</code>. Select ''No'' if asked to mark the certificate as valid.

'''Verify the signature of the binary you downloaded'''

With the <code>install-file.exe</code> and <code>signature-file.exe.asc</code> in the same directory, double-click on the <code>.exe.asc</code> file.

You should see a Kleopatra window pop up with a green progress bar that says "Verified .exe with .exe.asc". The program will continue to say "The data could not be verified" in bold but you can disregard that message.

This means the installer file we downloaded is intact and as intended. You can proceed to install Bisq by double-clicking the <code>.exe</code> file.

=== macOS and Linux ===

Once you've downloaded the installer file and corresponding signature file:

'''Import ripcurlx's public key'''

Run:

<nowiki>curl https://bisq.network/pubkey/29CDFD3B.asc | gpg --import</nowiki>

You might see an ominous sounding warning along the lines of "This key is not certified with a trusted signature". This basically means that none of the public keys on your machine have signed the key you just imported. It also means that you have not explicitly indicated you trust this key yourself. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but please see more about what this means [https://serverfault.com/a/569923 here]. In short, you can verify the integrity of this key by [[ #Verify installer file | cross-referencing ripcurlx's Bisq commit signatures and Keybase profile]].

'''Verify the signature of the binary you downloaded'''

If you are not familiar with GPG (a free open source version of PGP) you probably need to install GPG command line tools first.
Following instructions are taken from https://blog.ghostinthemachines.com/2015/03/01/how-to-use-gpg-command-line.

The easiest way to install the GPG command line tools on your Mac is to first install Homebrew, a package management system that makes thousands of software packages available for install on your Mac.

Open a Terminal window (Applications > Utilities menu), then enter the following command.

<nowiki>ruby -e "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/master/install)" </nowiki>

When that’s complete, install the GPG software package with the following command.
<nowiki>brew install gnupg </nowiki>

With the installer file and installer signature file in the same directory, run:

<nowiki>gpg --digest-algo SHA256 --verify SIGNATURE-FILE.asc </nowiki>

Where <code>SIGNATURE-FILE.asc</code> is the filename of the <code>.asc</code> file you just downloaded.

'''Common errors'''

gpg: directory '/Users/bisq/.gnupg' created
gpg: keybox '/Users/bisq/.gnupg/pubring.kbx' created
gpg: can't open 'SIGNATURE-FILE.asc': No such file or directory
gpg: verify signatures failed: No such file or directory

In this case, you haven't replaced <code>SIGNATURE-FILE.asc</code> with the actual signature file you want to use e.g. <code>Bisq-1.6.4.dmg.asc</code>

gpg: can't open 'Bisq-1.6.4.dmg.asc': No such file or directory

In this case, you either haven't downloaded the signature file already or you are not in the correct directory. You can run <code>pwd</code> to see the path you are in.
If you want to switch to the directory, where the downloaded files are you can use the [https://www.git-tower.com/learn/git/ebook/en/command-line/appendix/command-line-101/#:~:text=It%20will%20return%20the%20path,%24%20cd%20.. `cd` command] and switch to the correct directory by typing e.g. <code>cd ~/Downloads</code>(switching to the download directory on macOS). To list all files in the current directory you can enter <code>ls -la</code> in your console.

gpg: assuming signed data in 'Bisq-1.6.4.dmg'
gpg: Signature made Thu May 6 13:32:43 2021 EDT
gpg: using RSA key CB36D7D2EBB2E35D9B75500BCD5DC1C529CDFD3B
gpg: issuer "christoph.atteneder@gmail.com"
gpg: Can't check signature: No public key</nowiki>

In this case, you have not imported the public key successfully. Please follow the guide above on how to import the public key for verification.

'''Successful verification'''

You should see output that looks something like:

gpg: Signature made Thu 13 Feb 2020 01:38:03 PM EST
gpg: using RSA key CB36D7D2EBB2E35D9B75500BCD5DC1C529CDFD3B
gpg: issuer ...
gpg: Good signature from "Christoph Atteneder ..."

Great, this means the installer file we downloaded is intact and as intended.

'''Verify jar file after installation'''

As one last check, you can verify the hash of the jar file after installing Bisq.

On macOS, the default location of the jar file is:

/Applications/Bisq.app/Contents/Java/

On Linux, the default location of the jar file is:

/opt/bisq/bin/Bisq

Get the hash of the jar file with:

shasum -a256 /path/to/jar/file/jar-name.jar

The hash you get should match the hash in the <code>.jar.txt</code> file in the [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest release assets].

== Build from source ==

[https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/docs/build.md Building Bisq from source] requires only a single command once you have the correct JDK installed on your machine.

Finding and installing the correct JDK can sometimes be frustrating, so Bisq's developers have written scripts to make it easier:
* [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/scripts/install_java.sh For Linux and macOS]
* [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/scripts/install_java.bat For Windows]

== OS-specific install notes ==

=== Linux (General) ===

Bisq works with a number of Linux distros, but not all desktop environments are supported.

These are all known compatible desktop environments. This is a growing list. If you find another compatible desktop, please inform us so it can be added.

* GNOME
* Mate
* Xfce
* KDE Plasma
* Cinnamon

Bisq might not work properly if you switch from the original desktop environment of your Linux distribution to a different one.

Note: users with discrete GPUs may encounter issues launching Bisq in some desktop environments.

=== Arch Linux ===

The Bisq [https://bisq.network/downloads/ downloads page] includes a link to the Arch User Repository (AUR) page for the [https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/bisq/ bisq package].

# From the command line, clone the repository from AUR.
# Then from the cloned directory, run <code>makepkg -si</code>. This will read the PKGBUILD file to download, verify, build, and install the various tools necessary to install Bisq.

Please be advised: when you're using AUR, you're responsible for your own safety. Be sure to verify the PKGBUILD file.

=== Tails ===

Please see [[Running Bisq on Tails]] for details on downloading, installing, and configuring Bisq on Tails.

=== Qubes ===

Please see [[Running Bisq on Qubes]] for a detailed Qubes setup guide.

[[Category:Use Cases]]

Downloading and installing

2021-08-23T02:51:49Z

Willygoldman: /* Build from source */ arabic numberal under 11 replaced.

To use Bisq, you must first '''[https://bisq.network/downloads/ download and install]''' it. Most exchanges are centralized exchanges running on servers controlled by the exchange. Bisq is decentralized, running only on the desktops of Bisq users. This means there is no single point of control or failure.

Bisq manages offers to trade using a peer-to-peer network. This is a global network only made of users who are also running Bisq on their own computers.

Centralized services are easy to monitor, block, and shut down, while peer-to-peer networks like BitTorrent, Bitcoin and Bisq are difficult to surveil, censor, shutdown or hack.

All of this means that if you want to use the Bisq network, you must download and run the software and become part of the Bisq network.

== Download Bisq ==

The most convenient way to install Bisq on your machine is from a pre-built install file from the [https://bisq.network/downloads/ Bisq website] or [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest latest GitHub release].

There's also a community-maintained [https://snapcraft.io/bisq-desktop Snap package] for various Linux distributions.

{{Admonition_Note|See [[#OS-specific_install_notes|install notes for various Linux distributions below]].}}

You can download the installer for your operating system and install Bisq right away, but we strongly recommend that you [[ #Verify installer file | verify the integrity ]] of your installer file first.

'''If you have issues, please check the ''Known issues with installation'' section in [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest release notes].'''

== Verify installer file ==

Any software that manages funds, signs transactions, and deals with highly sensitive data is a prime target for malware. Bisq does all three. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you verify the integrity of the installer file you use to install Bisq.

This verification is something that you should do for the initial Bisq install. After inital verification and install when updates to Bisq are available, you will be prompted to download and install them through Bisq's interface. The Bisq software will verify the integrity of updates for you.

Bisq installer files are currently built and signed by Christoph Atteneder (ripcurlx). His public key ID is <code>29CDFD3B</code> and fingerprint is <code>CB36 D7D2 EBB2 E35D 9B75 500B CD5D C1C5 29CD FD3B</code>, which you can verify through [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/commits?author=ripcurlx commits on GitHub] and [https://keybase.io/ripcurlx on Keybase].

The full public key is available [https://bisq.network/pubkey/29CDFD3B.asc here on the Bisq website].

=== Obtain signature files for installer files ===

To verify your installer file is intact and as the developer intended, you will need the PGP signature file corresponding to the installer file you downloaded.

On the [https://bisq.network/downloads/ Bisq website's download page], download the PGP signature file for the installer file you downloaded before.

If you prefer to download from GitHub, you will see the <code>.asc</code> file for your installer in the assets section [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest of the release] along with the installer file itself.

In either case, the filename for the <code>.asc</code> you download should be identical to the filename for the installer file, just with <code>.asc</code> appended (e.g., signature file for <code>Bisq-1.2.7.dmg</code> would be <code>Bisq-1.2.7.dmg.asc</code>).

Once you've got the installer file and its corresponding signature file, proceed to the directions for your operating system below.

=== Windows ===

Once you have downloaded the installer file and corresponding signature file:

'''Download ripcurlx's public key'''

Download ripcurlx's public key [https://bisq.network/pubkey/29CDFD3B.asc here on the Bisq website].

'''Download and install Gpg4win'''

Windows does not come with GPG software installed by default, so you will need to install it in order to verify Bisq's installer files.

You can get Gpg4win [https://www.gpg4win.org/ here].

Double-click the installer file and proceed to install with all default settings.

'''Import ripcurlx's public key'''

In Kleopatra, import ripcurlx's public key file <code>29CDFD3B.asc</code>. Select ''No'' if asked to mark the certificate as valid.

'''Verify the signature of the binary you downloaded'''

With the <code>install-file.exe</code> and <code>signature-file.exe.asc</code> in the same directory, double-click on the <code>.exe.asc</code> file.

You should see a Kleopatra window pop up with a green progress bar that says "Verified .exe with .exe.asc". The program will continue to say "The data could not be verified" in bold but you can disregard that message.

This means the installer file we downloaded is intact and as intended. You can proceed to install Bisq by double-clicking the <code>.exe</code> file.

=== macOS and Linux ===

Once you've downloaded the installer file and corresponding signature file:

'''Import ripcurlx's public key'''

Run:

<nowiki>curl https://bisq.network/pubkey/29CDFD3B.asc | gpg --import</nowiki>

You might see an ominous sounding warning along the lines of "This key is not certified with a trusted signature". This basically means that none of the public keys on your machine have signed the key you just imported. It also means that you have not explicitly indicated you trust this key yourself. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but please see more about what this means [https://serverfault.com/a/569923 here]. In short, you can verify the integrity of this key by [[ #Verify installer file | cross-referencing ripcurlx's Bisq commit signatures and Keybase profile]].

'''Verify the signature of the binary you downloaded'''

If you are not familiar with GPG (a free open source version of PGP) you probably need to install GPG command line tools first.
Following instructions are taken from https://blog.ghostinthemachines.com/2015/03/01/how-to-use-gpg-command-line.

The easiest way to install the GPG command line tools on your Mac is to first install Homebrew, a package management system that makes thousands of software packages available for install on your Mac.

Open a Terminal window (Applications > Utilities menu), then enter the following command.

<nowiki>ruby -e "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/master/install)" </nowiki>

When that’s complete, install the GPG software package with the following command.
<nowiki>brew install gnupg </nowiki>

With the installer file and installer signature file in the same directory, run:

<nowiki>gpg --digest-algo SHA256 --verify SIGNATURE-FILE.asc </nowiki>

Where <code>SIGNATURE-FILE.asc</code> is the filename of the <code>.asc</code> file you just downloaded.

'''Common errors'''

gpg: directory '/Users/bisq/.gnupg' created
gpg: keybox '/Users/bisq/.gnupg/pubring.kbx' created
gpg: can't open 'SIGNATURE-FILE.asc': No such file or directory
gpg: verify signatures failed: No such file or directory

In this case, you haven't replaced <code>SIGNATURE-FILE.asc</code> with the actual signature file you want to use e.g. <code>Bisq-1.6.4.dmg.asc</code>

gpg: can't open 'Bisq-1.6.4.dmg.asc': No such file or directory

In this case, you either haven't downloaded the signature file already or you are not in the correct directory. You can run <code>pwd</code> to see the path you are in.
If you want to switch to the directory, where the downloaded files are you can use the [https://www.git-tower.com/learn/git/ebook/en/command-line/appendix/command-line-101/#:~:text=It%20will%20return%20the%20path,%24%20cd%20.. `cd` command] and switch to the correct directory by typing e.g. <code>cd ~/Downloads</code>(switching to the download directory on macOS). To list all files in the current directory you can enter <code>ls -la</code> in your console.

gpg: assuming signed data in 'Bisq-1.6.4.dmg'
gpg: Signature made Thu May 6 13:32:43 2021 EDT
gpg: using RSA key CB36D7D2EBB2E35D9B75500BCD5DC1C529CDFD3B
gpg: issuer "christoph.atteneder@gmail.com"
gpg: Can't check signature: No public key</nowiki>

In this case, you have not imported the public key successfully. Please follow the guide above on how to import the public key for verification.

'''Successful verification'''

You should see output that looks something like:

gpg: Signature made Thu 13 Feb 2020 01:38:03 PM EST
gpg: using RSA key CB36D7D2EBB2E35D9B75500BCD5DC1C529CDFD3B
gpg: issuer ...
gpg: Good signature from "Christoph Atteneder ..."

Great, this means the installer file we downloaded is intact and as intended.

'''Verify jar file after installation'''

As one last check, you can verify the hash of the jar file after installing Bisq.

On macOS, the default location of the jar file is:

/Applications/Bisq.app/Contents/Java/

On Linux, the default location of the jar file is:

/opt/bisq/bin/Bisq

Get the hash of the jar file with:

shasum -a256 /path/to/jar/file/jar-name.jar

The hash you get should match the hash in the <code>.jar.txt</code> file in the [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest release assets].

== Build from source ==

[https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/docs/build.md Building Bisq from source] requires only a single command once you have the correct JDK installed on your machine.

Finding and installing the correct JDK can sometimes be frustrating, so Bisq's developers have written scripts to make it easier:
* [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/scripts/install_java.sh For Linux and macOS]
* [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/scripts/install_java.bat For Windows]

== OS-specific install notes ==

=== Linux (General) ===

Bisq works with a number of Linux distros, but not all desktop environments are supported.

These are all known working desktop environments (it's a growing list—if you find another one that works, please add it!):

* GNOME
* Mate
* Xfce
* KDE Plasma
* Cinnamon

Bisq might not work properly if you switch from the original desktop environment of your Linux distribution to a different one.

Note: users with discrete GPUs may encounter issues launching Bisq in some desktop environments.

=== Arch Linux ===

The Bisq [https://bisq.network/downloads/ downloads page] includes a link to the Arch User Repository (AUR) page for the [https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/bisq/ bisq package].

# From the command line, clone the repository from AUR.
# Then from the cloned directory, run <code>makepkg -si</code>. This will read the PKGBUILD file to download, verify, build, and install the various tools necessary to install Bisq.

Please be advised: when you're using AUR, you're responsible for your own safety. Be sure to verify the PKGBUILD file.

=== Tails ===

Please see [[Running Bisq on Tails]] for details on downloading, installing, and configuring Bisq on Tails.

=== Qubes ===

Please see [[Running Bisq on Qubes]] for a detailed Qubes setup guide.

[[Category:Use Cases]]

Downloading and installing

2021-08-23T02:51:05Z

Willygoldman: /* macOS and Linux */ contractions and exclamatiaons.

To use Bisq, you must first '''[https://bisq.network/downloads/ download and install]''' it. Most exchanges are centralized exchanges running on servers controlled by the exchange. Bisq is decentralized, running only on the desktops of Bisq users. This means there is no single point of control or failure.

Bisq manages offers to trade using a peer-to-peer network. This is a global network only made of users who are also running Bisq on their own computers.

Centralized services are easy to monitor, block, and shut down, while peer-to-peer networks like BitTorrent, Bitcoin and Bisq are difficult to surveil, censor, shutdown or hack.

All of this means that if you want to use the Bisq network, you must download and run the software and become part of the Bisq network.

== Download Bisq ==

The most convenient way to install Bisq on your machine is from a pre-built install file from the [https://bisq.network/downloads/ Bisq website] or [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest latest GitHub release].

There's also a community-maintained [https://snapcraft.io/bisq-desktop Snap package] for various Linux distributions.

{{Admonition_Note|See [[#OS-specific_install_notes|install notes for various Linux distributions below]].}}

You can download the installer for your operating system and install Bisq right away, but we strongly recommend that you [[ #Verify installer file | verify the integrity ]] of your installer file first.

'''If you have issues, please check the ''Known issues with installation'' section in [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest release notes].'''

== Verify installer file ==

Any software that manages funds, signs transactions, and deals with highly sensitive data is a prime target for malware. Bisq does all three. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you verify the integrity of the installer file you use to install Bisq.

This verification is something that you should do for the initial Bisq install. After inital verification and install when updates to Bisq are available, you will be prompted to download and install them through Bisq's interface. The Bisq software will verify the integrity of updates for you.

Bisq installer files are currently built and signed by Christoph Atteneder (ripcurlx). His public key ID is <code>29CDFD3B</code> and fingerprint is <code>CB36 D7D2 EBB2 E35D 9B75 500B CD5D C1C5 29CD FD3B</code>, which you can verify through [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/commits?author=ripcurlx commits on GitHub] and [https://keybase.io/ripcurlx on Keybase].

The full public key is available [https://bisq.network/pubkey/29CDFD3B.asc here on the Bisq website].

=== Obtain signature files for installer files ===

To verify your installer file is intact and as the developer intended, you will need the PGP signature file corresponding to the installer file you downloaded.

On the [https://bisq.network/downloads/ Bisq website's download page], download the PGP signature file for the installer file you downloaded before.

If you prefer to download from GitHub, you will see the <code>.asc</code> file for your installer in the assets section [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest of the release] along with the installer file itself.

In either case, the filename for the <code>.asc</code> you download should be identical to the filename for the installer file, just with <code>.asc</code> appended (e.g., signature file for <code>Bisq-1.2.7.dmg</code> would be <code>Bisq-1.2.7.dmg.asc</code>).

Once you've got the installer file and its corresponding signature file, proceed to the directions for your operating system below.

=== Windows ===

Once you have downloaded the installer file and corresponding signature file:

'''Download ripcurlx's public key'''

Download ripcurlx's public key [https://bisq.network/pubkey/29CDFD3B.asc here on the Bisq website].

'''Download and install Gpg4win'''

Windows does not come with GPG software installed by default, so you will need to install it in order to verify Bisq's installer files.

You can get Gpg4win [https://www.gpg4win.org/ here].

Double-click the installer file and proceed to install with all default settings.

'''Import ripcurlx's public key'''

In Kleopatra, import ripcurlx's public key file <code>29CDFD3B.asc</code>. Select ''No'' if asked to mark the certificate as valid.

'''Verify the signature of the binary you downloaded'''

With the <code>install-file.exe</code> and <code>signature-file.exe.asc</code> in the same directory, double-click on the <code>.exe.asc</code> file.

You should see a Kleopatra window pop up with a green progress bar that says "Verified .exe with .exe.asc". The program will continue to say "The data could not be verified" in bold but you can disregard that message.

This means the installer file we downloaded is intact and as intended. You can proceed to install Bisq by double-clicking the <code>.exe</code> file.

=== macOS and Linux ===

Once you've downloaded the installer file and corresponding signature file:

'''Import ripcurlx's public key'''

Run:

<nowiki>curl https://bisq.network/pubkey/29CDFD3B.asc | gpg --import</nowiki>

You might see an ominous sounding warning along the lines of "This key is not certified with a trusted signature". This basically means that none of the public keys on your machine have signed the key you just imported. It also means that you have not explicitly indicated you trust this key yourself. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but please see more about what this means [https://serverfault.com/a/569923 here]. In short, you can verify the integrity of this key by [[ #Verify installer file | cross-referencing ripcurlx's Bisq commit signatures and Keybase profile]].

'''Verify the signature of the binary you downloaded'''

If you are not familiar with GPG (a free open source version of PGP) you probably need to install GPG command line tools first.
Following instructions are taken from https://blog.ghostinthemachines.com/2015/03/01/how-to-use-gpg-command-line.

The easiest way to install the GPG command line tools on your Mac is to first install Homebrew, a package management system that makes thousands of software packages available for install on your Mac.

Open a Terminal window (Applications > Utilities menu), then enter the following command.

<nowiki>ruby -e "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/master/install)" </nowiki>

When that’s complete, install the GPG software package with the following command.
<nowiki>brew install gnupg </nowiki>

With the installer file and installer signature file in the same directory, run:

<nowiki>gpg --digest-algo SHA256 --verify SIGNATURE-FILE.asc </nowiki>

Where <code>SIGNATURE-FILE.asc</code> is the filename of the <code>.asc</code> file you just downloaded.

'''Common errors'''

gpg: directory '/Users/bisq/.gnupg' created
gpg: keybox '/Users/bisq/.gnupg/pubring.kbx' created
gpg: can't open 'SIGNATURE-FILE.asc': No such file or directory
gpg: verify signatures failed: No such file or directory

In this case, you haven't replaced <code>SIGNATURE-FILE.asc</code> with the actual signature file you want to use e.g. <code>Bisq-1.6.4.dmg.asc</code>

gpg: can't open 'Bisq-1.6.4.dmg.asc': No such file or directory

In this case, you either haven't downloaded the signature file already or you are not in the correct directory. You can run <code>pwd</code> to see the path you are in.
If you want to switch to the directory, where the downloaded files are you can use the [https://www.git-tower.com/learn/git/ebook/en/command-line/appendix/command-line-101/#:~:text=It%20will%20return%20the%20path,%24%20cd%20.. `cd` command] and switch to the correct directory by typing e.g. <code>cd ~/Downloads</code>(switching to the download directory on macOS). To list all files in the current directory you can enter <code>ls -la</code> in your console.

gpg: assuming signed data in 'Bisq-1.6.4.dmg'
gpg: Signature made Thu May 6 13:32:43 2021 EDT
gpg: using RSA key CB36D7D2EBB2E35D9B75500BCD5DC1C529CDFD3B
gpg: issuer "christoph.atteneder@gmail.com"
gpg: Can't check signature: No public key</nowiki>

In this case, you have not imported the public key successfully. Please follow the guide above on how to import the public key for verification.

'''Successful verification'''

You should see output that looks something like:

gpg: Signature made Thu 13 Feb 2020 01:38:03 PM EST
gpg: using RSA key CB36D7D2EBB2E35D9B75500BCD5DC1C529CDFD3B
gpg: issuer ...
gpg: Good signature from "Christoph Atteneder ..."

Great, this means the installer file we downloaded is intact and as intended.

'''Verify jar file after installation'''

As one last check, you can verify the hash of the jar file after installing Bisq.

On macOS, the default location of the jar file is:

/Applications/Bisq.app/Contents/Java/

On Linux, the default location of the jar file is:

/opt/bisq/bin/Bisq

Get the hash of the jar file with:

shasum -a256 /path/to/jar/file/jar-name.jar

The hash you get should match the hash in the <code>.jar.txt</code> file in the [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest release assets].

== Build from source ==

[https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/docs/build.md Building Bisq from source] requires just 1 command once you have the correct JDK installed on your machine.

Finding and installing the correct JDK can sometimes be frustrating, so Bisq's developers have written scripts to make it easier:
* [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/scripts/install_java.sh For Linux and macOS]
* [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/scripts/install_java.bat For Windows]

== OS-specific install notes ==

=== Linux (General) ===

Bisq works with a number of Linux distros, but not all desktop environments are supported.

These are all known working desktop environments (it's a growing list—if you find another one that works, please add it!):

* GNOME
* Mate
* Xfce
* KDE Plasma
* Cinnamon

Bisq might not work properly if you switch from the original desktop environment of your Linux distribution to a different one.

Note: users with discrete GPUs may encounter issues launching Bisq in some desktop environments.

=== Arch Linux ===

The Bisq [https://bisq.network/downloads/ downloads page] includes a link to the Arch User Repository (AUR) page for the [https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/bisq/ bisq package].

# From the command line, clone the repository from AUR.
# Then from the cloned directory, run <code>makepkg -si</code>. This will read the PKGBUILD file to download, verify, build, and install the various tools necessary to install Bisq.

Please be advised: when you're using AUR, you're responsible for your own safety. Be sure to verify the PKGBUILD file.

=== Tails ===

Please see [[Running Bisq on Tails]] for details on downloading, installing, and configuring Bisq on Tails.

=== Qubes ===

Please see [[Running Bisq on Qubes]] for a detailed Qubes setup guide.

[[Category:Use Cases]]

Downloading and installing

2021-08-23T02:48:07Z

Willygoldman: /* macOS and Linux */ ominous sounding is not hyphanated: https://www.grammarbook.com/punctuation/hyphens.asp#:~:text=Generally%2C%20hyphenate%20two%20or%20more,is%20called%20a%20compound%20adjective.&text=When%20a%20compound%20adjective%20follows,The%20apartment%20is%20off%20campus. Parenthetical was awkward. Reworded. Extreneous italics removed.

To use Bisq, you must first '''[https://bisq.network/downloads/ download and install]''' it. Most exchanges are centralized exchanges running on servers controlled by the exchange. Bisq is decentralized, running only on the desktops of Bisq users. This means there is no single point of control or failure.

Bisq manages offers to trade using a peer-to-peer network. This is a global network only made of users who are also running Bisq on their own computers.

Centralized services are easy to monitor, block, and shut down, while peer-to-peer networks like BitTorrent, Bitcoin and Bisq are difficult to surveil, censor, shutdown or hack.

All of this means that if you want to use the Bisq network, you must download and run the software and become part of the Bisq network.

== Download Bisq ==

The most convenient way to install Bisq on your machine is from a pre-built install file from the [https://bisq.network/downloads/ Bisq website] or [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest latest GitHub release].

There's also a community-maintained [https://snapcraft.io/bisq-desktop Snap package] for various Linux distributions.

{{Admonition_Note|See [[#OS-specific_install_notes|install notes for various Linux distributions below]].}}

You can download the installer for your operating system and install Bisq right away, but we strongly recommend that you [[ #Verify installer file | verify the integrity ]] of your installer file first.

'''If you have issues, please check the ''Known issues with installation'' section in [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest release notes].'''

== Verify installer file ==

Any software that manages funds, signs transactions, and deals with highly sensitive data is a prime target for malware. Bisq does all three. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you verify the integrity of the installer file you use to install Bisq.

This verification is something that you should do for the initial Bisq install. After inital verification and install when updates to Bisq are available, you will be prompted to download and install them through Bisq's interface. The Bisq software will verify the integrity of updates for you.

Bisq installer files are currently built and signed by Christoph Atteneder (ripcurlx). His public key ID is <code>29CDFD3B</code> and fingerprint is <code>CB36 D7D2 EBB2 E35D 9B75 500B CD5D C1C5 29CD FD3B</code>, which you can verify through [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/commits?author=ripcurlx commits on GitHub] and [https://keybase.io/ripcurlx on Keybase].

The full public key is available [https://bisq.network/pubkey/29CDFD3B.asc here on the Bisq website].

=== Obtain signature files for installer files ===

To verify your installer file is intact and as the developer intended, you will need the PGP signature file corresponding to the installer file you downloaded.

On the [https://bisq.network/downloads/ Bisq website's download page], download the PGP signature file for the installer file you downloaded before.

If you prefer to download from GitHub, you will see the <code>.asc</code> file for your installer in the assets section [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest of the release] along with the installer file itself.

In either case, the filename for the <code>.asc</code> you download should be identical to the filename for the installer file, just with <code>.asc</code> appended (e.g., signature file for <code>Bisq-1.2.7.dmg</code> would be <code>Bisq-1.2.7.dmg.asc</code>).

Once you've got the installer file and its corresponding signature file, proceed to the directions for your operating system below.

=== Windows ===

Once you have downloaded the installer file and corresponding signature file:

'''Download ripcurlx's public key'''

Download ripcurlx's public key [https://bisq.network/pubkey/29CDFD3B.asc here on the Bisq website].

'''Download and install Gpg4win'''

Windows does not come with GPG software installed by default, so you will need to install it in order to verify Bisq's installer files.

You can get Gpg4win [https://www.gpg4win.org/ here].

Double-click the installer file and proceed to install with all default settings.

'''Import ripcurlx's public key'''

In Kleopatra, import ripcurlx's public key file <code>29CDFD3B.asc</code>. Select ''No'' if asked to mark the certificate as valid.

'''Verify the signature of the binary you downloaded'''

With the <code>install-file.exe</code> and <code>signature-file.exe.asc</code> in the same directory, double-click on the <code>.exe.asc</code> file.

You should see a Kleopatra window pop up with a green progress bar that says "Verified .exe with .exe.asc". The program will continue to say "The data could not be verified" in bold but you can disregard that message.

This means the installer file we downloaded is intact and as intended. You can proceed to install Bisq by double-clicking the <code>.exe</code> file.

=== macOS and Linux ===

Once you've downloaded the installer file and corresponding signature file:

'''Import ripcurlx's public key'''

Run:

<nowiki>curl https://bisq.network/pubkey/29CDFD3B.asc | gpg --import</nowiki>

You might see an ominous sounding warning along the lines of "This key is not certified with a trusted signature". This basically means that none of the public keys on your machine have signed the key you just imported. It also means that you have not explicitly indicated you trust this key yourself. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but please see more about what this means [https://serverfault.com/a/569923 here]. In short, you can verify the integrity of this key by [[ #Verify installer file | cross-referencing ripcurlx's Bisq commit signatures and Keybase profile]].

'''Verify the signature of the binary you downloaded'''

If you are not familiar with GPG (a free open source version of PGP) you probably need to install GPG command line tools first.
Following instructions are taken from https://blog.ghostinthemachines.com/2015/03/01/how-to-use-gpg-command-line.

The easiest way to install the GPG command line tools on your Mac is to first install Homebrew, a package management system that makes thousands of software packages available for install on your Mac.

Open a Terminal window (Applications > Utilities menu), then enter the following command.

<nowiki>ruby -e "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/master/install)" </nowiki>

When that’s complete, install the GPG software package with the following command.
<nowiki>brew install gnupg </nowiki>

With the installer file and installer signature file in the same directory, run:

<nowiki>gpg --digest-algo SHA256 --verify SIGNATURE-FILE.asc </nowiki>

Where <code>SIGNATURE-FILE.asc</code> is the filename of the <code>.asc</code> file you just downloaded.

'''Common errors'''

gpg: directory '/Users/bisq/.gnupg' created
gpg: keybox '/Users/bisq/.gnupg/pubring.kbx' created
gpg: can't open 'SIGNATURE-FILE.asc': No such file or directory
gpg: verify signatures failed: No such file or directory

In this case, you haven't replaced <code>SIGNATURE-FILE.asc</code> with the actual signature file you want to use e.g. <code>Bisq-1.6.4.dmg.asc</code>

gpg: can't open 'Bisq-1.6.4.dmg.asc': No such file or directory

In this case, you either haven't downloaded the signature file already or you are not in the correct directory. You can run <code>pwd</code> to see the path you are in.
If you want to switch to the directory, where the downloaded files are you can use the [https://www.git-tower.com/learn/git/ebook/en/command-line/appendix/command-line-101/#:~:text=It%20will%20return%20the%20path,%24%20cd%20.. `cd` command] and switch to the correct directory by typing e.g. <code>cd ~/Downloads</code>(switching to the download directory on macOS). To list all files in the current directory you can enter <code>ls -la</code> in your console.

gpg: assuming signed data in 'Bisq-1.6.4.dmg'
gpg: Signature made Thu May 6 13:32:43 2021 EDT
gpg: using RSA key CB36D7D2EBB2E35D9B75500BCD5DC1C529CDFD3B
gpg: issuer "christoph.atteneder@gmail.com"
gpg: Can't check signature: No public key</nowiki>

In this case you haven't imported the public key successfully. Please follow the guide above on how to import the public key for verification.

'''Successful verification'''

You should see output that looks something like:

gpg: Signature made Thu 13 Feb 2020 01:38:03 PM EST
gpg: using RSA key CB36D7D2EBB2E35D9B75500BCD5DC1C529CDFD3B
gpg: issuer ...
gpg: Good signature from "Christoph Atteneder ..."

Great—this means the installer file we downloaded is intact and as intended!

'''Verify jar file after installation'''

As one last check, you can verify the hash of the jar file after installing Bisq.

On macOS, the default location of the jar file is:

/Applications/Bisq.app/Contents/Java/

On Linux, the default location of the jar file is:

/opt/bisq/bin/Bisq

Get the hash of the jar file with:

shasum -a256 /path/to/jar/file/jar-name.jar

The hash you get should match the hash in the <code>.jar.txt</code> file in the [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest release assets].

== Build from source ==

[https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/docs/build.md Building Bisq from source] requires just 1 command once you have the correct JDK installed on your machine.

Finding and installing the correct JDK can sometimes be frustrating, so Bisq's developers have written scripts to make it easier:
* [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/scripts/install_java.sh For Linux and macOS]
* [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/scripts/install_java.bat For Windows]

== OS-specific install notes ==

=== Linux (General) ===

Bisq works with a number of Linux distros, but not all desktop environments are supported.

These are all known working desktop environments (it's a growing list—if you find another one that works, please add it!):

* GNOME
* Mate
* Xfce
* KDE Plasma
* Cinnamon

Bisq might not work properly if you switch from the original desktop environment of your Linux distribution to a different one.

Note: users with discrete GPUs may encounter issues launching Bisq in some desktop environments.

=== Arch Linux ===

The Bisq [https://bisq.network/downloads/ downloads page] includes a link to the Arch User Repository (AUR) page for the [https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/bisq/ bisq package].

# From the command line, clone the repository from AUR.
# Then from the cloned directory, run <code>makepkg -si</code>. This will read the PKGBUILD file to download, verify, build, and install the various tools necessary to install Bisq.

Please be advised: when you're using AUR, you're responsible for your own safety. Be sure to verify the PKGBUILD file.

=== Tails ===

Please see [[Running Bisq on Tails]] for details on downloading, installing, and configuring Bisq on Tails.

=== Qubes ===

Please see [[Running Bisq on Qubes]] for a detailed Qubes setup guide.

[[Category:Use Cases]]

Downloading and installing

2021-08-23T02:40:02Z

Willygoldman: /* Windows */ contractions and exclamation points changed for formal writing.

To use Bisq, you must first '''[https://bisq.network/downloads/ download and install]''' it. Most exchanges are centralized exchanges running on servers controlled by the exchange. Bisq is decentralized, running only on the desktops of Bisq users. This means there is no single point of control or failure.

Bisq manages offers to trade using a peer-to-peer network. This is a global network only made of users who are also running Bisq on their own computers.

Centralized services are easy to monitor, block, and shut down, while peer-to-peer networks like BitTorrent, Bitcoin and Bisq are difficult to surveil, censor, shutdown or hack.

All of this means that if you want to use the Bisq network, you must download and run the software and become part of the Bisq network.

== Download Bisq ==

The most convenient way to install Bisq on your machine is from a pre-built install file from the [https://bisq.network/downloads/ Bisq website] or [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest latest GitHub release].

There's also a community-maintained [https://snapcraft.io/bisq-desktop Snap package] for various Linux distributions.

{{Admonition_Note|See [[#OS-specific_install_notes|install notes for various Linux distributions below]].}}

You can download the installer for your operating system and install Bisq right away, but we strongly recommend that you [[ #Verify installer file | verify the integrity ]] of your installer file first.

'''If you have issues, please check the ''Known issues with installation'' section in [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest release notes].'''

== Verify installer file ==

Any software that manages funds, signs transactions, and deals with highly sensitive data is a prime target for malware. Bisq does all three. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you verify the integrity of the installer file you use to install Bisq.

This verification is something that you should do for the initial Bisq install. After inital verification and install when updates to Bisq are available, you will be prompted to download and install them through Bisq's interface. The Bisq software will verify the integrity of updates for you.

Bisq installer files are currently built and signed by Christoph Atteneder (ripcurlx). His public key ID is <code>29CDFD3B</code> and fingerprint is <code>CB36 D7D2 EBB2 E35D 9B75 500B CD5D C1C5 29CD FD3B</code>, which you can verify through [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/commits?author=ripcurlx commits on GitHub] and [https://keybase.io/ripcurlx on Keybase].

The full public key is available [https://bisq.network/pubkey/29CDFD3B.asc here on the Bisq website].

=== Obtain signature files for installer files ===

To verify your installer file is intact and as the developer intended, you will need the PGP signature file corresponding to the installer file you downloaded.

On the [https://bisq.network/downloads/ Bisq website's download page], download the PGP signature file for the installer file you downloaded before.

If you prefer to download from GitHub, you will see the <code>.asc</code> file for your installer in the assets section [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest of the release] along with the installer file itself.

In either case, the filename for the <code>.asc</code> you download should be identical to the filename for the installer file, just with <code>.asc</code> appended (e.g., signature file for <code>Bisq-1.2.7.dmg</code> would be <code>Bisq-1.2.7.dmg.asc</code>).

Once you've got the installer file and its corresponding signature file, proceed to the directions for your operating system below.

=== Windows ===

Once you have downloaded the installer file and corresponding signature file:

'''Download ripcurlx's public key'''

Download ripcurlx's public key [https://bisq.network/pubkey/29CDFD3B.asc here on the Bisq website].

'''Download and install Gpg4win'''

Windows does not come with GPG software installed by default, so you will need to install it in order to verify Bisq's installer files.

You can get Gpg4win [https://www.gpg4win.org/ here].

Double-click the installer file and proceed to install with all default settings.

'''Import ripcurlx's public key'''

In Kleopatra, import ripcurlx's public key file <code>29CDFD3B.asc</code>. Select ''No'' if asked to mark the certificate as valid.

'''Verify the signature of the binary you downloaded'''

With the <code>install-file.exe</code> and <code>signature-file.exe.asc</code> in the same directory, double-click on the <code>.exe.asc</code> file.

You should see a Kleopatra window pop up with a green progress bar that says "Verified .exe with .exe.asc". The program will continue to say "The data could not be verified" in bold but you can disregard that message.

This means the installer file we downloaded is intact and as intended. You can proceed to install Bisq by double-clicking the <code>.exe</code> file.

=== macOS and Linux ===

Once you've downloaded the installer file and corresponding signature file:

'''Import ripcurlx's public key'''

Run:

<nowiki>curl https://bisq.network/pubkey/29CDFD3B.asc | gpg --import</nowiki>

You might see an ominous-sounding warning along the lines of "This key is not certified with a trusted signature". This basically means that none of the public keys on your machine have signed the key you just imported (and that you haven't explicitly indicated you trust this key yourself). This is not necessarily a bad thing, but please see more about what this means [https://serverfault.com/a/569923 here]. In short, you can verify the integrity of this key by [[ #Verify installer file | cross-referencing ripcurlx's Bisq commit signatures and Keybase profile]].

'''Verify the signature of the binary you downloaded'''

If you are not familiar with GPG (a free open source version of PGP) you probably need to install GPG command line tools first.
Following instructions are taken from https://blog.ghostinthemachines.com/2015/03/01/how-to-use-gpg-command-line.

<cite>The easiest way to install the GPG command line tools on your Mac is to first install Homebrew, a package management system that makes thousands of software packages available for install on your Mac.</cite>

<cite>Open a Terminal window (Applications > Utilities menu), then enter the following command.</cite>

<nowiki>ruby -e "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/master/install)" </nowiki>

<cite>When that’s complete, install the GPG software package with the following command.</cite>
<nowiki>brew install gnupg </nowiki>

With the installer file and installer signature file in the same directory, run:

<nowiki>gpg --digest-algo SHA256 --verify SIGNATURE-FILE.asc </nowiki>

Where <code>SIGNATURE-FILE.asc</code> is the filename of the <code>.asc</code> file you just downloaded.

'''Common errors'''

gpg: directory '/Users/bisq/.gnupg' created
gpg: keybox '/Users/bisq/.gnupg/pubring.kbx' created
gpg: can't open 'SIGNATURE-FILE.asc': No such file or directory
gpg: verify signatures failed: No such file or directory

In this case you haven't replaced <code>SIGNATURE-FILE.asc</code> with the actual signature file you want to use e.g. <code>Bisq-1.6.4.dmg.asc</code>

gpg: can't open 'Bisq-1.6.4.dmg.asc': No such file or directory

In this case you either haven't downloaded the signature file already or you are not in the correct directory. You can run <code>pwd</code> to see the path you are in.
If you want to switch to the directory, where the downloaded files are you can use the [https://www.git-tower.com/learn/git/ebook/en/command-line/appendix/command-line-101/#:~:text=It%20will%20return%20the%20path,%24%20cd%20.. `cd` command] and switch to the correct directory by typing e.g. <code>cd ~/Downloads</code>(switching to the download directory on macOS). To list all files in the current directory you can enter <code>ls -la</code> in your console.

gpg: assuming signed data in 'Bisq-1.6.4.dmg'
gpg: Signature made Thu May 6 13:32:43 2021 EDT
gpg: using RSA key CB36D7D2EBB2E35D9B75500BCD5DC1C529CDFD3B
gpg: issuer "christoph.atteneder@gmail.com"
gpg: Can't check signature: No public key</nowiki>

In this case you haven't imported the public key successfully. Please follow the guide above on how to import the public key for verification.

'''Successful verification'''

You should see output that looks something like:

gpg: Signature made Thu 13 Feb 2020 01:38:03 PM EST
gpg: using RSA key CB36D7D2EBB2E35D9B75500BCD5DC1C529CDFD3B
gpg: issuer ...
gpg: Good signature from "Christoph Atteneder ..."

Great—this means the installer file we downloaded is intact and as intended!

'''Verify jar file after installation'''

As one last check, you can verify the hash of the jar file after installing Bisq.

On macOS, the default location of the jar file is:

/Applications/Bisq.app/Contents/Java/

On Linux, the default location of the jar file is:

/opt/bisq/bin/Bisq

Get the hash of the jar file with:

shasum -a256 /path/to/jar/file/jar-name.jar

The hash you get should match the hash in the <code>.jar.txt</code> file in the [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest release assets].

== Build from source ==

[https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/docs/build.md Building Bisq from source] requires just 1 command once you have the correct JDK installed on your machine.

Finding and installing the correct JDK can sometimes be frustrating, so Bisq's developers have written scripts to make it easier:
* [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/scripts/install_java.sh For Linux and macOS]
* [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/scripts/install_java.bat For Windows]

== OS-specific install notes ==

=== Linux (General) ===

Bisq works with a number of Linux distros, but not all desktop environments are supported.

These are all known working desktop environments (it's a growing list—if you find another one that works, please add it!):

* GNOME
* Mate
* Xfce
* KDE Plasma
* Cinnamon

Bisq might not work properly if you switch from the original desktop environment of your Linux distribution to a different one.

Note: users with discrete GPUs may encounter issues launching Bisq in some desktop environments.

=== Arch Linux ===

The Bisq [https://bisq.network/downloads/ downloads page] includes a link to the Arch User Repository (AUR) page for the [https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/bisq/ bisq package].

# From the command line, clone the repository from AUR.
# Then from the cloned directory, run <code>makepkg -si</code>. This will read the PKGBUILD file to download, verify, build, and install the various tools necessary to install Bisq.

Please be advised: when you're using AUR, you're responsible for your own safety. Be sure to verify the PKGBUILD file.

=== Tails ===

Please see [[Running Bisq on Tails]] for details on downloading, installing, and configuring Bisq on Tails.

=== Qubes ===

Please see [[Running Bisq on Qubes]] for a detailed Qubes setup guide.

[[Category:Use Cases]]

Downloading and installing

2021-08-23T02:36:32Z

Willygoldman: /* Verify installer file */

To use Bisq, you must first '''[https://bisq.network/downloads/ download and install]''' it. Most exchanges are centralized exchanges running on servers controlled by the exchange. Bisq is decentralized, running only on the desktops of Bisq users. This means there is no single point of control or failure.

Bisq manages offers to trade using a peer-to-peer network. This is a global network only made of users who are also running Bisq on their own computers.

Centralized services are easy to monitor, block, and shut down, while peer-to-peer networks like BitTorrent, Bitcoin and Bisq are difficult to surveil, censor, shutdown or hack.

All of this means that if you want to use the Bisq network, you must download and run the software and become part of the Bisq network.

== Download Bisq ==

The most convenient way to install Bisq on your machine is from a pre-built install file from the [https://bisq.network/downloads/ Bisq website] or [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest latest GitHub release].

There's also a community-maintained [https://snapcraft.io/bisq-desktop Snap package] for various Linux distributions.

{{Admonition_Note|See [[#OS-specific_install_notes|install notes for various Linux distributions below]].}}

You can download the installer for your operating system and install Bisq right away, but we strongly recommend that you [[ #Verify installer file | verify the integrity ]] of your installer file first.

'''If you have issues, please check the ''Known issues with installation'' section in [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest release notes].'''

== Verify installer file ==

Any software that manages funds, signs transactions, and deals with highly sensitive data is a prime target for malware. Bisq does all three. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you verify the integrity of the installer file you use to install Bisq.

This verification is something that you should do for the initial Bisq install. After inital verification and install when updates to Bisq are available, you will be prompted to download and install them through Bisq's interface. The Bisq software will verify the integrity of updates for you.

Bisq installer files are currently built and signed by Christoph Atteneder (ripcurlx). His public key ID is <code>29CDFD3B</code> and fingerprint is <code>CB36 D7D2 EBB2 E35D 9B75 500B CD5D C1C5 29CD FD3B</code>, which you can verify through [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/commits?author=ripcurlx commits on GitHub] and [https://keybase.io/ripcurlx on Keybase].

The full public key is available [https://bisq.network/pubkey/29CDFD3B.asc here on the Bisq website].

=== Obtain signature files for installer files ===

To verify your installer file is intact and as the developer intended, you will need the PGP signature file corresponding to the installer file you downloaded.

On the [https://bisq.network/downloads/ Bisq website's download page], download the PGP signature file for the installer file you downloaded before.

If you prefer to download from GitHub, you will see the <code>.asc</code> file for your installer in the assets section [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest of the release] along with the installer file itself.

In either case, the filename for the <code>.asc</code> you download should be identical to the filename for the installer file, just with <code>.asc</code> appended (e.g., signature file for <code>Bisq-1.2.7.dmg</code> would be <code>Bisq-1.2.7.dmg.asc</code>).

Once you've got the installer file and its corresponding signature file, proceed to the directions for your operating system below.

=== Windows ===

Once you've downloaded the installer file and corresponding signature file:

'''Download ripcurlx's public key'''

Download ripcurlx's public key [https://bisq.network/pubkey/29CDFD3B.asc here on the Bisq website].

'''Download and install Gpg4win'''

Windows doesn't come with GPG software installed by default, so you'll need to install it in order to verify Bisq's installer files.

You can get Gpg4win [https://www.gpg4win.org/ here].

Double-click the installer file and proceed to install with all default settings.

'''Import ripcurlx's public key'''

In Kleopatra, import ripcurlx's public key file <code>29CDFD3B.asc</code>. Select ''No'' if asked to mark the certificate as valid.

'''Verify the signature of the binary you downloaded'''

With the <code>install-file.exe</code> and <code>signature-file.exe.asc</code> in the same directory, double-click on the <code>.exe.asc</code> file.

You should see a Kleopatra window pop up with a green progress bar that says "Verified .exe with .exe.asc". The program will continue to say "The data could not be verified" in bold but you can disregard that message.

This means the installer file we downloaded is intact and as intended! You can proceed to install Bisq by double-clicking the <code>.exe</code> file.

=== macOS and Linux ===

Once you've downloaded the installer file and corresponding signature file:

'''Import ripcurlx's public key'''

Run:

<nowiki>curl https://bisq.network/pubkey/29CDFD3B.asc | gpg --import</nowiki>

You might see an ominous-sounding warning along the lines of "This key is not certified with a trusted signature". This basically means that none of the public keys on your machine have signed the key you just imported (and that you haven't explicitly indicated you trust this key yourself). This is not necessarily a bad thing, but please see more about what this means [https://serverfault.com/a/569923 here]. In short, you can verify the integrity of this key by [[ #Verify installer file | cross-referencing ripcurlx's Bisq commit signatures and Keybase profile]].

'''Verify the signature of the binary you downloaded'''

If you are not familiar with GPG (a free open source version of PGP) you probably need to install GPG command line tools first.
Following instructions are taken from https://blog.ghostinthemachines.com/2015/03/01/how-to-use-gpg-command-line.

<cite>The easiest way to install the GPG command line tools on your Mac is to first install Homebrew, a package management system that makes thousands of software packages available for install on your Mac.</cite>

<cite>Open a Terminal window (Applications > Utilities menu), then enter the following command.</cite>

<nowiki>ruby -e "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/master/install)" </nowiki>

<cite>When that’s complete, install the GPG software package with the following command.</cite>
<nowiki>brew install gnupg </nowiki>

With the installer file and installer signature file in the same directory, run:

<nowiki>gpg --digest-algo SHA256 --verify SIGNATURE-FILE.asc </nowiki>

Where <code>SIGNATURE-FILE.asc</code> is the filename of the <code>.asc</code> file you just downloaded.

'''Common errors'''

gpg: directory '/Users/bisq/.gnupg' created
gpg: keybox '/Users/bisq/.gnupg/pubring.kbx' created
gpg: can't open 'SIGNATURE-FILE.asc': No such file or directory
gpg: verify signatures failed: No such file or directory

In this case you haven't replaced <code>SIGNATURE-FILE.asc</code> with the actual signature file you want to use e.g. <code>Bisq-1.6.4.dmg.asc</code>

gpg: can't open 'Bisq-1.6.4.dmg.asc': No such file or directory

In this case you either haven't downloaded the signature file already or you are not in the correct directory. You can run <code>pwd</code> to see the path you are in.
If you want to switch to the directory, where the downloaded files are you can use the [https://www.git-tower.com/learn/git/ebook/en/command-line/appendix/command-line-101/#:~:text=It%20will%20return%20the%20path,%24%20cd%20.. `cd` command] and switch to the correct directory by typing e.g. <code>cd ~/Downloads</code>(switching to the download directory on macOS). To list all files in the current directory you can enter <code>ls -la</code> in your console.

gpg: assuming signed data in 'Bisq-1.6.4.dmg'
gpg: Signature made Thu May 6 13:32:43 2021 EDT
gpg: using RSA key CB36D7D2EBB2E35D9B75500BCD5DC1C529CDFD3B
gpg: issuer "christoph.atteneder@gmail.com"
gpg: Can't check signature: No public key</nowiki>

In this case you haven't imported the public key successfully. Please follow the guide above on how to import the public key for verification.

'''Successful verification'''

You should see output that looks something like:

gpg: Signature made Thu 13 Feb 2020 01:38:03 PM EST
gpg: using RSA key CB36D7D2EBB2E35D9B75500BCD5DC1C529CDFD3B
gpg: issuer ...
gpg: Good signature from "Christoph Atteneder ..."

Great—this means the installer file we downloaded is intact and as intended!

'''Verify jar file after installation'''

As one last check, you can verify the hash of the jar file after installing Bisq.

On macOS, the default location of the jar file is:

/Applications/Bisq.app/Contents/Java/

On Linux, the default location of the jar file is:

/opt/bisq/bin/Bisq

Get the hash of the jar file with:

shasum -a256 /path/to/jar/file/jar-name.jar

The hash you get should match the hash in the <code>.jar.txt</code> file in the [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest release assets].

== Build from source ==

[https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/docs/build.md Building Bisq from source] requires just 1 command once you have the correct JDK installed on your machine.

Finding and installing the correct JDK can sometimes be frustrating, so Bisq's developers have written scripts to make it easier:
* [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/scripts/install_java.sh For Linux and macOS]
* [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/scripts/install_java.bat For Windows]

== OS-specific install notes ==

=== Linux (General) ===

Bisq works with a number of Linux distros, but not all desktop environments are supported.

These are all known working desktop environments (it's a growing list—if you find another one that works, please add it!):

* GNOME
* Mate
* Xfce
* KDE Plasma
* Cinnamon

Bisq might not work properly if you switch from the original desktop environment of your Linux distribution to a different one.

Note: users with discrete GPUs may encounter issues launching Bisq in some desktop environments.

=== Arch Linux ===

The Bisq [https://bisq.network/downloads/ downloads page] includes a link to the Arch User Repository (AUR) page for the [https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/bisq/ bisq package].

# From the command line, clone the repository from AUR.
# Then from the cloned directory, run <code>makepkg -si</code>. This will read the PKGBUILD file to download, verify, build, and install the various tools necessary to install Bisq.

Please be advised: when you're using AUR, you're responsible for your own safety. Be sure to verify the PKGBUILD file.

=== Tails ===

Please see [[Running Bisq on Tails]] for details on downloading, installing, and configuring Bisq on Tails.

=== Qubes ===

Please see [[Running Bisq on Qubes]] for a detailed Qubes setup guide.

[[Category:Use Cases]]

Downloading and installing

2021-08-23T02:35:59Z

Willygoldman: /* Verify installer file */ contraction

To use Bisq, you must first '''[https://bisq.network/downloads/ download and install]''' it. Most exchanges are centralized exchanges running on servers controlled by the exchange. Bisq is decentralized, running only on the desktops of Bisq users. This means there is no single point of control or failure.

Bisq manages offers to trade using a peer-to-peer network. This is a global network only made of users who are also running Bisq on their own computers.

Centralized services are easy to monitor, block, and shut down, while peer-to-peer networks like BitTorrent, Bitcoin and Bisq are difficult to surveil, censor, shutdown or hack.

All of this means that if you want to use the Bisq network, you must download and run the software and become part of the Bisq network.

== Download Bisq ==

The most convenient way to install Bisq on your machine is from a pre-built install file from the [https://bisq.network/downloads/ Bisq website] or [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest latest GitHub release].

There's also a community-maintained [https://snapcraft.io/bisq-desktop Snap package] for various Linux distributions.

{{Admonition_Note|See [[#OS-specific_install_notes|install notes for various Linux distributions below]].}}

You can download the installer for your operating system and install Bisq right away, but we strongly recommend that you [[ #Verify installer file | verify the integrity ]] of your installer file first.

'''If you have issues, please check the ''Known issues with installation'' section in [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest release notes].'''

== Verify installer file ==

Any software that manages funds, signs transactions, and deals with highly sensitive data is a prime target for malware. Bisq does all three. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you verify the integrity of the installer file you use to install Bisq.

This verification is something that you should do for the initial Bisq install. After insital verification and install when updates to Bisq are available, you will be prompted to download and install them through Bisq's interface. The Bisq software will verify the integrity of updates for you.

Bisq installer files are currently built and signed by Christoph Atteneder (ripcurlx). His public key ID is <code>29CDFD3B</code> and fingerprint is <code>CB36 D7D2 EBB2 E35D 9B75 500B CD5D C1C5 29CD FD3B</code>, which you can verify through [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/commits?author=ripcurlx commits on GitHub] and [https://keybase.io/ripcurlx on Keybase].

The full public key is available [https://bisq.network/pubkey/29CDFD3B.asc here on the Bisq website].

=== Obtain signature files for installer files ===

To verify your installer file is intact and as the developer intended, you will need the PGP signature file corresponding to the installer file you downloaded.

On the [https://bisq.network/downloads/ Bisq website's download page], download the PGP signature file for the installer file you downloaded before.

If you prefer to download from GitHub, you will see the <code>.asc</code> file for your installer in the assets section [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest of the release] along with the installer file itself.

In either case, the filename for the <code>.asc</code> you download should be identical to the filename for the installer file, just with <code>.asc</code> appended (e.g., signature file for <code>Bisq-1.2.7.dmg</code> would be <code>Bisq-1.2.7.dmg.asc</code>).

Once you've got the installer file and its corresponding signature file, proceed to the directions for your operating system below.

=== Windows ===

Once you've downloaded the installer file and corresponding signature file:

'''Download ripcurlx's public key'''

Download ripcurlx's public key [https://bisq.network/pubkey/29CDFD3B.asc here on the Bisq website].

'''Download and install Gpg4win'''

Windows doesn't come with GPG software installed by default, so you'll need to install it in order to verify Bisq's installer files.

You can get Gpg4win [https://www.gpg4win.org/ here].

Double-click the installer file and proceed to install with all default settings.

'''Import ripcurlx's public key'''

In Kleopatra, import ripcurlx's public key file <code>29CDFD3B.asc</code>. Select ''No'' if asked to mark the certificate as valid.

'''Verify the signature of the binary you downloaded'''

With the <code>install-file.exe</code> and <code>signature-file.exe.asc</code> in the same directory, double-click on the <code>.exe.asc</code> file.

You should see a Kleopatra window pop up with a green progress bar that says "Verified .exe with .exe.asc". The program will continue to say "The data could not be verified" in bold but you can disregard that message.

This means the installer file we downloaded is intact and as intended! You can proceed to install Bisq by double-clicking the <code>.exe</code> file.

=== macOS and Linux ===

Once you've downloaded the installer file and corresponding signature file:

'''Import ripcurlx's public key'''

Run:

<nowiki>curl https://bisq.network/pubkey/29CDFD3B.asc | gpg --import</nowiki>

You might see an ominous-sounding warning along the lines of "This key is not certified with a trusted signature". This basically means that none of the public keys on your machine have signed the key you just imported (and that you haven't explicitly indicated you trust this key yourself). This is not necessarily a bad thing, but please see more about what this means [https://serverfault.com/a/569923 here]. In short, you can verify the integrity of this key by [[ #Verify installer file | cross-referencing ripcurlx's Bisq commit signatures and Keybase profile]].

'''Verify the signature of the binary you downloaded'''

If you are not familiar with GPG (a free open source version of PGP) you probably need to install GPG command line tools first.
Following instructions are taken from https://blog.ghostinthemachines.com/2015/03/01/how-to-use-gpg-command-line.

<cite>The easiest way to install the GPG command line tools on your Mac is to first install Homebrew, a package management system that makes thousands of software packages available for install on your Mac.</cite>

<cite>Open a Terminal window (Applications > Utilities menu), then enter the following command.</cite>

<nowiki>ruby -e "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/master/install)" </nowiki>

<cite>When that’s complete, install the GPG software package with the following command.</cite>
<nowiki>brew install gnupg </nowiki>

With the installer file and installer signature file in the same directory, run:

<nowiki>gpg --digest-algo SHA256 --verify SIGNATURE-FILE.asc </nowiki>

Where <code>SIGNATURE-FILE.asc</code> is the filename of the <code>.asc</code> file you just downloaded.

'''Common errors'''

gpg: directory '/Users/bisq/.gnupg' created
gpg: keybox '/Users/bisq/.gnupg/pubring.kbx' created
gpg: can't open 'SIGNATURE-FILE.asc': No such file or directory
gpg: verify signatures failed: No such file or directory

In this case you haven't replaced <code>SIGNATURE-FILE.asc</code> with the actual signature file you want to use e.g. <code>Bisq-1.6.4.dmg.asc</code>

gpg: can't open 'Bisq-1.6.4.dmg.asc': No such file or directory

In this case you either haven't downloaded the signature file already or you are not in the correct directory. You can run <code>pwd</code> to see the path you are in.
If you want to switch to the directory, where the downloaded files are you can use the [https://www.git-tower.com/learn/git/ebook/en/command-line/appendix/command-line-101/#:~:text=It%20will%20return%20the%20path,%24%20cd%20.. `cd` command] and switch to the correct directory by typing e.g. <code>cd ~/Downloads</code>(switching to the download directory on macOS). To list all files in the current directory you can enter <code>ls -la</code> in your console.

gpg: assuming signed data in 'Bisq-1.6.4.dmg'
gpg: Signature made Thu May 6 13:32:43 2021 EDT
gpg: using RSA key CB36D7D2EBB2E35D9B75500BCD5DC1C529CDFD3B
gpg: issuer "christoph.atteneder@gmail.com"
gpg: Can't check signature: No public key</nowiki>

In this case you haven't imported the public key successfully. Please follow the guide above on how to import the public key for verification.

'''Successful verification'''

You should see output that looks something like:

gpg: Signature made Thu 13 Feb 2020 01:38:03 PM EST
gpg: using RSA key CB36D7D2EBB2E35D9B75500BCD5DC1C529CDFD3B
gpg: issuer ...
gpg: Good signature from "Christoph Atteneder ..."

Great—this means the installer file we downloaded is intact and as intended!

'''Verify jar file after installation'''

As one last check, you can verify the hash of the jar file after installing Bisq.

On macOS, the default location of the jar file is:

/Applications/Bisq.app/Contents/Java/

On Linux, the default location of the jar file is:

/opt/bisq/bin/Bisq

Get the hash of the jar file with:

shasum -a256 /path/to/jar/file/jar-name.jar

The hash you get should match the hash in the <code>.jar.txt</code> file in the [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest release assets].

== Build from source ==

[https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/docs/build.md Building Bisq from source] requires just 1 command once you have the correct JDK installed on your machine.

Finding and installing the correct JDK can sometimes be frustrating, so Bisq's developers have written scripts to make it easier:
* [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/scripts/install_java.sh For Linux and macOS]
* [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/scripts/install_java.bat For Windows]

== OS-specific install notes ==

=== Linux (General) ===

Bisq works with a number of Linux distros, but not all desktop environments are supported.

These are all known working desktop environments (it's a growing list—if you find another one that works, please add it!):

* GNOME
* Mate
* Xfce
* KDE Plasma
* Cinnamon

Bisq might not work properly if you switch from the original desktop environment of your Linux distribution to a different one.

Note: users with discrete GPUs may encounter issues launching Bisq in some desktop environments.

=== Arch Linux ===

The Bisq [https://bisq.network/downloads/ downloads page] includes a link to the Arch User Repository (AUR) page for the [https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/bisq/ bisq package].

# From the command line, clone the repository from AUR.
# Then from the cloned directory, run <code>makepkg -si</code>. This will read the PKGBUILD file to download, verify, build, and install the various tools necessary to install Bisq.

Please be advised: when you're using AUR, you're responsible for your own safety. Be sure to verify the PKGBUILD file.

=== Tails ===

Please see [[Running Bisq on Tails]] for details on downloading, installing, and configuring Bisq on Tails.

=== Qubes ===

Please see [[Running Bisq on Qubes]] for a detailed Qubes setup guide.

[[Category:Use Cases]]

Downloading and installing

2021-08-23T02:35:04Z

Willygoldman: /* Verify installer file */ Reducing pronoun usage for clarity. Avoiding contractions in formal writing. Linked to download

To use Bisq, you must first '''[https://bisq.network/downloads/ download and install]''' it. Most exchanges are centralized exchanges running on servers controlled by the exchange. Bisq is decentralized, running only on the desktops of Bisq users. This means there is no single point of control or failure.

Bisq manages offers to trade using a peer-to-peer network. This is a global network only made of users who are also running Bisq on their own computers.

Centralized services are easy to monitor, block, and shut down, while peer-to-peer networks like BitTorrent, Bitcoin and Bisq are difficult to surveil, censor, shutdown or hack.

All of this means that if you want to use the Bisq network, you must download and run the software and become part of the Bisq network.

== Download Bisq ==

The most convenient way to install Bisq on your machine is from a pre-built install file from the [https://bisq.network/downloads/ Bisq website] or [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest latest GitHub release].

There's also a community-maintained [https://snapcraft.io/bisq-desktop Snap package] for various Linux distributions.

{{Admonition_Note|See [[#OS-specific_install_notes|install notes for various Linux distributions below]].}}

You can download the installer for your operating system and install Bisq right away, but we strongly recommend that you [[ #Verify installer file | verify the integrity ]] of your installer file first.

'''If you have issues, please check the ''Known issues with installation'' section in [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest release notes].'''

== Verify installer file ==

Any software that manages funds, signs transactions, and deals with highly sensitive data is a prime target for malware. Bisq does all three. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you verify the integrity of the installer file you use to install Bisq.

This verification is something that you should do for the initial Bisq install. After insital verification and install when updates to Bisq are available, you'll be prompted to download and install them through Bisq's interface. The Bisq software will verify the integrity of updates for you.

Bisq installer files are currently built and signed by Christoph Atteneder (ripcurlx). His public key ID is <code>29CDFD3B</code> and fingerprint is <code>CB36 D7D2 EBB2 E35D 9B75 500B CD5D C1C5 29CD FD3B</code>, which you can verify through [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/commits?author=ripcurlx commits on GitHub] and [https://keybase.io/ripcurlx on Keybase].

The full public key is available [https://bisq.network/pubkey/29CDFD3B.asc here on the Bisq website].

=== Obtain signature files for installer files ===

To verify your installer file is intact and as the developer intended, you will need the PGP signature file corresponding to the installer file you downloaded.

On the [https://bisq.network/downloads/ Bisq website's download page], download the PGP signature file for the installer file you downloaded before.

If you prefer to download from GitHub, you will see the <code>.asc</code> file for your installer in the assets section [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest of the release] along with the installer file itself.

In either case, the filename for the <code>.asc</code> you download should be identical to the filename for the installer file, just with <code>.asc</code> appended (e.g., signature file for <code>Bisq-1.2.7.dmg</code> would be <code>Bisq-1.2.7.dmg.asc</code>).

Once you've got the installer file and its corresponding signature file, proceed to the directions for your operating system below.

=== Windows ===

Once you've downloaded the installer file and corresponding signature file:

'''Download ripcurlx's public key'''

Download ripcurlx's public key [https://bisq.network/pubkey/29CDFD3B.asc here on the Bisq website].

'''Download and install Gpg4win'''

Windows doesn't come with GPG software installed by default, so you'll need to install it in order to verify Bisq's installer files.

You can get Gpg4win [https://www.gpg4win.org/ here].

Double-click the installer file and proceed to install with all default settings.

'''Import ripcurlx's public key'''

In Kleopatra, import ripcurlx's public key file <code>29CDFD3B.asc</code>. Select ''No'' if asked to mark the certificate as valid.

'''Verify the signature of the binary you downloaded'''

With the <code>install-file.exe</code> and <code>signature-file.exe.asc</code> in the same directory, double-click on the <code>.exe.asc</code> file.

You should see a Kleopatra window pop up with a green progress bar that says "Verified .exe with .exe.asc". The program will continue to say "The data could not be verified" in bold but you can disregard that message.

This means the installer file we downloaded is intact and as intended! You can proceed to install Bisq by double-clicking the <code>.exe</code> file.

=== macOS and Linux ===

Once you've downloaded the installer file and corresponding signature file:

'''Import ripcurlx's public key'''

Run:

<nowiki>curl https://bisq.network/pubkey/29CDFD3B.asc | gpg --import</nowiki>

You might see an ominous-sounding warning along the lines of "This key is not certified with a trusted signature". This basically means that none of the public keys on your machine have signed the key you just imported (and that you haven't explicitly indicated you trust this key yourself). This is not necessarily a bad thing, but please see more about what this means [https://serverfault.com/a/569923 here]. In short, you can verify the integrity of this key by [[ #Verify installer file | cross-referencing ripcurlx's Bisq commit signatures and Keybase profile]].

'''Verify the signature of the binary you downloaded'''

If you are not familiar with GPG (a free open source version of PGP) you probably need to install GPG command line tools first.
Following instructions are taken from https://blog.ghostinthemachines.com/2015/03/01/how-to-use-gpg-command-line.

<cite>The easiest way to install the GPG command line tools on your Mac is to first install Homebrew, a package management system that makes thousands of software packages available for install on your Mac.</cite>

<cite>Open a Terminal window (Applications > Utilities menu), then enter the following command.</cite>

<nowiki>ruby -e "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/master/install)" </nowiki>

<cite>When that’s complete, install the GPG software package with the following command.</cite>
<nowiki>brew install gnupg </nowiki>

With the installer file and installer signature file in the same directory, run:

<nowiki>gpg --digest-algo SHA256 --verify SIGNATURE-FILE.asc </nowiki>

Where <code>SIGNATURE-FILE.asc</code> is the filename of the <code>.asc</code> file you just downloaded.

'''Common errors'''

gpg: directory '/Users/bisq/.gnupg' created
gpg: keybox '/Users/bisq/.gnupg/pubring.kbx' created
gpg: can't open 'SIGNATURE-FILE.asc': No such file or directory
gpg: verify signatures failed: No such file or directory

In this case you haven't replaced <code>SIGNATURE-FILE.asc</code> with the actual signature file you want to use e.g. <code>Bisq-1.6.4.dmg.asc</code>

gpg: can't open 'Bisq-1.6.4.dmg.asc': No such file or directory

In this case you either haven't downloaded the signature file already or you are not in the correct directory. You can run <code>pwd</code> to see the path you are in.
If you want to switch to the directory, where the downloaded files are you can use the [https://www.git-tower.com/learn/git/ebook/en/command-line/appendix/command-line-101/#:~:text=It%20will%20return%20the%20path,%24%20cd%20.. `cd` command] and switch to the correct directory by typing e.g. <code>cd ~/Downloads</code>(switching to the download directory on macOS). To list all files in the current directory you can enter <code>ls -la</code> in your console.

gpg: assuming signed data in 'Bisq-1.6.4.dmg'
gpg: Signature made Thu May 6 13:32:43 2021 EDT
gpg: using RSA key CB36D7D2EBB2E35D9B75500BCD5DC1C529CDFD3B
gpg: issuer "christoph.atteneder@gmail.com"
gpg: Can't check signature: No public key</nowiki>

In this case you haven't imported the public key successfully. Please follow the guide above on how to import the public key for verification.

'''Successful verification'''

You should see output that looks something like:

gpg: Signature made Thu 13 Feb 2020 01:38:03 PM EST
gpg: using RSA key CB36D7D2EBB2E35D9B75500BCD5DC1C529CDFD3B
gpg: issuer ...
gpg: Good signature from "Christoph Atteneder ..."

Great—this means the installer file we downloaded is intact and as intended!

'''Verify jar file after installation'''

As one last check, you can verify the hash of the jar file after installing Bisq.

On macOS, the default location of the jar file is:

/Applications/Bisq.app/Contents/Java/

On Linux, the default location of the jar file is:

/opt/bisq/bin/Bisq

Get the hash of the jar file with:

shasum -a256 /path/to/jar/file/jar-name.jar

The hash you get should match the hash in the <code>.jar.txt</code> file in the [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest release assets].

== Build from source ==

[https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/docs/build.md Building Bisq from source] requires just 1 command once you have the correct JDK installed on your machine.

Finding and installing the correct JDK can sometimes be frustrating, so Bisq's developers have written scripts to make it easier:
* [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/scripts/install_java.sh For Linux and macOS]
* [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/scripts/install_java.bat For Windows]

== OS-specific install notes ==

=== Linux (General) ===

Bisq works with a number of Linux distros, but not all desktop environments are supported.

These are all known working desktop environments (it's a growing list—if you find another one that works, please add it!):

* GNOME
* Mate
* Xfce
* KDE Plasma
* Cinnamon

Bisq might not work properly if you switch from the original desktop environment of your Linux distribution to a different one.

Note: users with discrete GPUs may encounter issues launching Bisq in some desktop environments.

=== Arch Linux ===

The Bisq [https://bisq.network/downloads/ downloads page] includes a link to the Arch User Repository (AUR) page for the [https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/bisq/ bisq package].

# From the command line, clone the repository from AUR.
# Then from the cloned directory, run <code>makepkg -si</code>. This will read the PKGBUILD file to download, verify, build, and install the various tools necessary to install Bisq.

Please be advised: when you're using AUR, you're responsible for your own safety. Be sure to verify the PKGBUILD file.

=== Tails ===

Please see [[Running Bisq on Tails]] for details on downloading, installing, and configuring Bisq on Tails.

=== Qubes ===

Please see [[Running Bisq on Qubes]] for a detailed Qubes setup guide.

[[Category:Use Cases]]

Downloading and installing

2021-08-23T02:27:36Z

Willygoldman: /* Verify installer file */ Style: Numbers ten and under are words. 11 and above can be arabic numberals.

To use Bisq, you must first '''[https://bisq.network/downloads/ download and install]''' it. Most exchanges are centralized exchanges running on servers controlled by the exchange. Bisq is decentralized, running only on the desktops of Bisq users. This means there is no single point of control or failure.

Bisq manages offers to trade using a peer-to-peer network. This is a global network only made of users who are also running Bisq on their own computers.

Centralized services are easy to monitor, block, and shut down, while peer-to-peer networks like BitTorrent, Bitcoin and Bisq are difficult to surveil, censor, shutdown or hack.

All of this means that if you want to use the Bisq network, you must download and run the software and become part of the Bisq network.

== Download Bisq ==

The most convenient way to install Bisq on your machine is from a pre-built install file from the [https://bisq.network/downloads/ Bisq website] or [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest latest GitHub release].

There's also a community-maintained [https://snapcraft.io/bisq-desktop Snap package] for various Linux distributions.

{{Admonition_Note|See [[#OS-specific_install_notes|install notes for various Linux distributions below]].}}

You can download the installer for your operating system and install Bisq right away, but we strongly recommend that you [[ #Verify installer file | verify the integrity ]] of your installer file first.

'''If you have issues, please check the ''Known issues with installation'' section in [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest release notes].'''

== Verify installer file ==

Any software that manages funds, signs transactions, and deals with highly sensitive data is a prime target for malware. Bisq does all three. Therefore it's highly recommended that you verify the integrity of the installer file you use to install Bisq.

This is just something you should do for the initial Bisq install—afterward, when updates to Bisq are available, you'll be prompted to download and install them through Bisq's interface, and the software will verify the integrity of updates for you.

Bisq installer files are currently built and signed by Christoph Atteneder (ripcurlx). His public key ID is <code>29CDFD3B</code> and fingerprint is <code>CB36 D7D2 EBB2 E35D 9B75 500B CD5D C1C5 29CD FD3B</code>, which you can verify through [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/commits?author=ripcurlx commits on GitHub] and [https://keybase.io/ripcurlx on Keybase].

The full public key is available [https://bisq.network/pubkey/29CDFD3B.asc here on the Bisq website].

=== Obtain signature files for installer files ===

To verify your installer file is intact and as the developer intended, you'll need the PGP signature file corresponding to the installer file you downloaded.

On the Bisq website's download page, download the PGP signature file for the installer file you downloaded before.

If you'd prefer to download from GitHub instead, you'll see the <code>.asc</code> file for your installer in the assets section [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest of the release] along with the installer file itself.

In either case, the filename for the <code>.asc</code> you download should be identical to the filename for the installer file, just with <code>.asc</code> appended (e.g., signature file for <code>Bisq-1.2.7.dmg</code> would be <code>Bisq-1.2.7.dmg.asc</code>).

Once you've got the installer file and its corresponding signature file, proceed to the directions for your operating system below.

=== Windows ===

Once you've downloaded the installer file and corresponding signature file:

'''Download ripcurlx's public key'''

Download ripcurlx's public key [https://bisq.network/pubkey/29CDFD3B.asc here on the Bisq website].

'''Download and install Gpg4win'''

Windows doesn't come with GPG software installed by default, so you'll need to install it in order to verify Bisq's installer files.

You can get Gpg4win [https://www.gpg4win.org/ here].

Double-click the installer file and proceed to install with all default settings.

'''Import ripcurlx's public key'''

In Kleopatra, import ripcurlx's public key file <code>29CDFD3B.asc</code>. Select ''No'' if asked to mark the certificate as valid.

'''Verify the signature of the binary you downloaded'''

With the <code>install-file.exe</code> and <code>signature-file.exe.asc</code> in the same directory, double-click on the <code>.exe.asc</code> file.

You should see a Kleopatra window pop up with a green progress bar that says "Verified .exe with .exe.asc". The program will continue to say "The data could not be verified" in bold but you can disregard that message.

This means the installer file we downloaded is intact and as intended! You can proceed to install Bisq by double-clicking the <code>.exe</code> file.

=== macOS and Linux ===

Once you've downloaded the installer file and corresponding signature file:

'''Import ripcurlx's public key'''

Run:

<nowiki>curl https://bisq.network/pubkey/29CDFD3B.asc | gpg --import</nowiki>

You might see an ominous-sounding warning along the lines of "This key is not certified with a trusted signature". This basically means that none of the public keys on your machine have signed the key you just imported (and that you haven't explicitly indicated you trust this key yourself). This is not necessarily a bad thing, but please see more about what this means [https://serverfault.com/a/569923 here]. In short, you can verify the integrity of this key by [[ #Verify installer file | cross-referencing ripcurlx's Bisq commit signatures and Keybase profile]].

'''Verify the signature of the binary you downloaded'''

If you are not familiar with GPG (a free open source version of PGP) you probably need to install GPG command line tools first.
Following instructions are taken from https://blog.ghostinthemachines.com/2015/03/01/how-to-use-gpg-command-line.

<cite>The easiest way to install the GPG command line tools on your Mac is to first install Homebrew, a package management system that makes thousands of software packages available for install on your Mac.</cite>

<cite>Open a Terminal window (Applications > Utilities menu), then enter the following command.</cite>

<nowiki>ruby -e "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/master/install)" </nowiki>

<cite>When that’s complete, install the GPG software package with the following command.</cite>
<nowiki>brew install gnupg </nowiki>

With the installer file and installer signature file in the same directory, run:

<nowiki>gpg --digest-algo SHA256 --verify SIGNATURE-FILE.asc </nowiki>

Where <code>SIGNATURE-FILE.asc</code> is the filename of the <code>.asc</code> file you just downloaded.

'''Common errors'''

gpg: directory '/Users/bisq/.gnupg' created
gpg: keybox '/Users/bisq/.gnupg/pubring.kbx' created
gpg: can't open 'SIGNATURE-FILE.asc': No such file or directory
gpg: verify signatures failed: No such file or directory

In this case you haven't replaced <code>SIGNATURE-FILE.asc</code> with the actual signature file you want to use e.g. <code>Bisq-1.6.4.dmg.asc</code>

gpg: can't open 'Bisq-1.6.4.dmg.asc': No such file or directory

In this case you either haven't downloaded the signature file already or you are not in the correct directory. You can run <code>pwd</code> to see the path you are in.
If you want to switch to the directory, where the downloaded files are you can use the [https://www.git-tower.com/learn/git/ebook/en/command-line/appendix/command-line-101/#:~:text=It%20will%20return%20the%20path,%24%20cd%20.. `cd` command] and switch to the correct directory by typing e.g. <code>cd ~/Downloads</code>(switching to the download directory on macOS). To list all files in the current directory you can enter <code>ls -la</code> in your console.

gpg: assuming signed data in 'Bisq-1.6.4.dmg'
gpg: Signature made Thu May 6 13:32:43 2021 EDT
gpg: using RSA key CB36D7D2EBB2E35D9B75500BCD5DC1C529CDFD3B
gpg: issuer "christoph.atteneder@gmail.com"
gpg: Can't check signature: No public key</nowiki>

In this case you haven't imported the public key successfully. Please follow the guide above on how to import the public key for verification.

'''Successful verification'''

You should see output that looks something like:

gpg: Signature made Thu 13 Feb 2020 01:38:03 PM EST
gpg: using RSA key CB36D7D2EBB2E35D9B75500BCD5DC1C529CDFD3B
gpg: issuer ...
gpg: Good signature from "Christoph Atteneder ..."

Great—this means the installer file we downloaded is intact and as intended!

'''Verify jar file after installation'''

As one last check, you can verify the hash of the jar file after installing Bisq.

On macOS, the default location of the jar file is:

/Applications/Bisq.app/Contents/Java/

On Linux, the default location of the jar file is:

/opt/bisq/bin/Bisq

Get the hash of the jar file with:

shasum -a256 /path/to/jar/file/jar-name.jar

The hash you get should match the hash in the <code>.jar.txt</code> file in the [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest release assets].

== Build from source ==

[https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/docs/build.md Building Bisq from source] requires just 1 command once you have the correct JDK installed on your machine.

Finding and installing the correct JDK can sometimes be frustrating, so Bisq's developers have written scripts to make it easier:
* [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/scripts/install_java.sh For Linux and macOS]
* [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/scripts/install_java.bat For Windows]

== OS-specific install notes ==

=== Linux (General) ===

Bisq works with a number of Linux distros, but not all desktop environments are supported.

These are all known working desktop environments (it's a growing list—if you find another one that works, please add it!):

* GNOME
* Mate
* Xfce
* KDE Plasma
* Cinnamon

Bisq might not work properly if you switch from the original desktop environment of your Linux distribution to a different one.

Note: users with discrete GPUs may encounter issues launching Bisq in some desktop environments.

=== Arch Linux ===

The Bisq [https://bisq.network/downloads/ downloads page] includes a link to the Arch User Repository (AUR) page for the [https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/bisq/ bisq package].

# From the command line, clone the repository from AUR.
# Then from the cloned directory, run <code>makepkg -si</code>. This will read the PKGBUILD file to download, verify, build, and install the various tools necessary to install Bisq.

Please be advised: when you're using AUR, you're responsible for your own safety. Be sure to verify the PKGBUILD file.

=== Tails ===

Please see [[Running Bisq on Tails]] for details on downloading, installing, and configuring Bisq on Tails.

=== Qubes ===

Please see [[Running Bisq on Qubes]] for a detailed Qubes setup guide.

[[Category:Use Cases]]

Introduction

2021-08-23T02:18:36Z

Willygoldman: /* Why Bisq exists */ decapitalized Bitcoin to bitcoin

Bisq is a decentralized bitcoin exchange network best understood in terms of its major attributes:

# Bisq is a cross-platform '''desktop application''' that allows anyone to buy and sell bitcoin in exchange for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies.
# Bisq is a '''trading protocol''' that enables individuals to exchange directly with one another over the internet, eliminating the need for trusted third party exchange services.
# Bisq is the '''peer-to-peer network''' formed by Bisq applications discovering, connecting to, and working with one another to implement the Bisq trading protocol. The Bisq network is fully peer-to-peer in that it requires no centrally-controlled servers and has no single points of failure.

Bisq is not a company—it is '''free/libre software''' released under version 3 of the GNU Affero General Public License. Bisq is built by individuals around the world who choose to work together. Bisq is used by individuals around the world who choose to trade with Bisq rather than any other Bitcoin exchanges.

The project itself is organized as a [[decentralized autonomous organization]].

== Why Bisq exists ==

Bisq’s mission is to provide a '''secure''', '''private''' and '''censorship-resistant''' way of exchanging bitcoin for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies over the internet.

When we say secure, we are referring to the safety of the users' funds. Centralized exchanges take custody of the user's fiat and/or bitcoin during the trade. Worse than that, users often choose to allow this custodial relationship over their property for extended periods of time before and after the trade. The Bitcoin of thousands of users is an extreme incentive for those centralized servers to be hacked or compromised by trusted insiders. History shows these incentives are too great: the loss of user bitcoin from centralized exchanges has happened and likely will happen again.

When we say private, we are referring to the users' ability to control access to their own information. Most centralized exchanges require users to divulge personally identifying information in order to set up an account, which in turn links users' trading activity to their respective identities. This practice creates extreme risks for users: their personal details and financial information will be stolen, leaked, or otherwise used against their own best interests.

When we say censorship-resistant, we are referring to freedom. That is the users' ability to voluntarily trade with one another without interference from a third party. Centralized bitcoin exchanges are highly susceptible to such interference. By their nature, centrralized exchanes must operate within one legal jurisdiction or another. This single jurisdiction puts them at risk of being fined or shut down if they do not comply with the laws and other rules of that jurisdiction. Almost universally there is a legal requirements to collect personal information of the users. The applicable laws may include restrictions on who can trade and what can be traded.

Bisq was built to fulfill this mission: provide people an exchange mechanism where users keep control of funds, that is private by default, and that defends freedom of transaction.

{{Admonition_Note|If Bitcoin’s motto is "be your own bank," Bisq’s motto is "be your own exchange."}}

== How Bisq works ==

=== A typical transaction ===

Imagine you want to buy bitcoin (BTC) in exchange for Euros (EUR). In Bisq terminology, you are a ''buyer'' of BTC looking for a ''seller'' of BTC who will accept EUR as payment.

To complete a trade on Bisq, you would follow a series of steps similar to these:

# You download and run the Bisq application on your laptop or desktop computer
# You configure Bisq with your EUR payment method details (bank transfer, money order, etc)
# You browse Bisq’s offer book for existing offers to sell BTC for EUR
# You take an existing offer, agreeing to buy the seller’s BTC for your EUR
# You send EUR by the agreed upon method and indicate you have done so in Bisq
# You and the seller wait for your EUR payment to arrive
# The seller receives your EUR and confirms payment receipt in Bisq
# You receive your bitcoin from the seller and the trade is complete

For complete instructions on each of the steps above, see [https://bisq.network/getting-started/ Getting Started].

These steps can vary in a number of ways depending on whether you wish to buy or sell bitcoin, whether you are the ''maker'' or ''taker'' of an offer, and which payment methods you prefer to use.

Regardless, the steps above are quite different from those one would follow to complete a similar trade on a centralized exchange.

=== How trading with Bisq is different ===

Bisq is a desktop application and not a browser-based web application. When using this interface, the first difference experienced traders will notice is that there is '''no automatic order matching''' on the Bisq exchange. Bisq bitcoin buyers do not "buy at market price" or "buy at this limit." Instead Bisq bitcoin buyers accept specific Bisq bitcoin sell offers of a given amount of bitcoin, price, currency and settlement method. This approach enables truly peer-to-peer trade settlement, and ensures that users are in control of all terms of the trade.

Bisq is also unique among decentralized bitcoin exchanges in the way it coordinates '''out-of-band fiat payments'''. Bisq does not directly integrate with banks or other national currency payment systems in any way. Rather, Bisq’s trading protocol orchestrates the process of buyer and seller working together to settle fiat payments outside of the Bisq application, as demonstrated in steps 5-7 of the trading example above.

These and other differences result in a key trade-off for Bisq users: trade settlement takes longer. In exchange Bisq trading is far more secure, private and censorship-resistant for this lower speed and convenience.

=== How Bisq keeps funds secure ===
* Bisq is '''entirely non-custodial''': users stay in control of fiat and cryptocurrency funds
* Trades include '''[[security deposit|security deposits]]''' from buyer and seller to prevent fraud
* The bitcoin for sale and bitcoin security deposits are locked in a '''2-of-2 multisig escrow'''
* Disputes are handled through a decentralized human '''[[dispute resolution]]''' system

=== How Bisq keeps data private ===
* Using Bisq requires '''no registration or centralized identity verification'''
* Every Bisq application is a '''Tor hidden service'''
* Bisq has no '''central servers or databases''' to record data
* '''Data is encrypted''' such that trade details are readable only by counterparties

=== How Bisq resists censorship ===
* Bisq’s network is a '''fully distributed P2P network''', and thus difficult to shut down
* Bisq’s network is '''built on top of Tor''', and thus inherits Tor’s own censorship resistance
* '''Bisq is code''', not a company; it is not incorporated, and thus cannot be disincorporated

Introduction

2021-08-23T02:16:19Z

Willygoldman:

Bisq is a decentralized bitcoin exchange network best understood in terms of its major attributes:

# Bisq is a cross-platform '''desktop application''' that allows anyone to buy and sell bitcoin in exchange for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies.
# Bisq is a '''trading protocol''' that enables individuals to exchange directly with one another over the internet, eliminating the need for trusted third party exchange services.
# Bisq is the '''peer-to-peer network''' formed by Bisq applications discovering, connecting to, and working with one another to implement the Bisq trading protocol. The Bisq network is fully peer-to-peer in that it requires no centrally-controlled servers and has no single points of failure.

Bisq is not a company—it is '''free/libre software''' released under version 3 of the GNU Affero General Public License. Bisq is built by individuals around the world who choose to work together. Bisq is used by individuals around the world who choose to trade with Bisq rather than any other Bitcoin exchanges.

The project itself is organized as a [[decentralized autonomous organization]].

== Why Bisq exists ==

Bisq’s mission is to provide a '''secure''', '''private''' and '''censorship-resistant''' way of exchanging bitcoin for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies over the internet.

When we say secure, we are referring to the safety of the users' funds. Centralized exchanges take custody of the user's fiat and/or bitcoin during the trade. Worse than that, users often choose to allow this custodial relationship over their property for extended periods of time before and after the trade. The Bitcoin of thousands of users is an extreme incentive for those centralized servers to be hacked or compromised by trusted insiders. History shows these incentives are too great: the loss of user bitcoin from centralized exchanges has happened and likely will happen again.

When we say private, we are referring to the users' ability to control access to their own information. Most centralized exchanges require users to divulge personally identifying information in order to set up an account, which in turn links users' trading activity to their respective identities. This practice creates extreme risks for users: their personal details and financial information will be stolen, leaked, or otherwise used against their own best interests.

When we say censorship-resistant, we are referring to freedom. That is the users' ability to voluntarily trade with one another without interference from a third party. Centralized Bitcoin exchanges are highly susceptible to such interference. By their nature, centrralized exchanes must operate within one legal jurisdiction or another. This single jurisdiction puts them at risk of being fined or shut down if they do not comply with the laws and other rules of that jurisdiction. Almost universally there is a legal requirements to collect personal information of the users. The applicable laws may include restrictions on who can trade and what can be traded.

Bisq was built to fulfill this mission: provide people an exchange mechanism where users keep control of funds, that is private by default, and that defends freedom of transaction.

{{Admonition_Note|If Bitcoin’s motto is "be your own bank," Bisq’s motto is "be your own exchange."}}

== How Bisq works ==

=== A typical transaction ===

Imagine you want to buy bitcoin (BTC) in exchange for Euros (EUR). In Bisq terminology, you are a ''buyer'' of BTC looking for a ''seller'' of BTC who will accept EUR as payment.

To complete a trade on Bisq, you would follow a series of steps similar to these:

# You download and run the Bisq application on your laptop or desktop computer
# You configure Bisq with your EUR payment method details (bank transfer, money order, etc)
# You browse Bisq’s offer book for existing offers to sell BTC for EUR
# You take an existing offer, agreeing to buy the seller’s BTC for your EUR
# You send EUR by the agreed upon method and indicate you have done so in Bisq
# You and the seller wait for your EUR payment to arrive
# The seller receives your EUR and confirms payment receipt in Bisq
# You receive your bitcoin from the seller and the trade is complete

For complete instructions on each of the steps above, see [https://bisq.network/getting-started/ Getting Started].

These steps can vary in a number of ways depending on whether you wish to buy or sell bitcoin, whether you are the ''maker'' or ''taker'' of an offer, and which payment methods you prefer to use.

Regardless, the steps above are quite different from those one would follow to complete a similar trade on a centralized exchange.

=== How trading with Bisq is different ===

Bisq is a desktop application and not a browser-based web application. When using this interface, the first difference experienced traders will notice is that there is '''no automatic order matching''' on the Bisq exchange. Bisq bitcoin buyers do not "buy at market price" or "buy at this limit." Instead Bisq bitcoin buyers accept specific Bisq bitcoin sell offers of a given amount of bitcoin, price, currency and settlement method. This approach enables truly peer-to-peer trade settlement, and ensures that users are in control of all terms of the trade.

Bisq is also unique among decentralized bitcoin exchanges in the way it coordinates '''out-of-band fiat payments'''. Bisq does not directly integrate with banks or other national currency payment systems in any way. Rather, Bisq’s trading protocol orchestrates the process of buyer and seller working together to settle fiat payments outside of the Bisq application, as demonstrated in steps 5-7 of the trading example above.

These and other differences result in a key trade-off for Bisq users: trade settlement takes longer. In exchange Bisq trading is far more secure, private and censorship-resistant for this lower speed and convenience.

=== How Bisq keeps funds secure ===
* Bisq is '''entirely non-custodial''': users stay in control of fiat and cryptocurrency funds
* Trades include '''[[security deposit|security deposits]]''' from buyer and seller to prevent fraud
* The bitcoin for sale and bitcoin security deposits are locked in a '''2-of-2 multisig escrow'''
* Disputes are handled through a decentralized human '''[[dispute resolution]]''' system

=== How Bisq keeps data private ===
* Using Bisq requires '''no registration or centralized identity verification'''
* Every Bisq application is a '''Tor hidden service'''
* Bisq has no '''central servers or databases''' to record data
* '''Data is encrypted''' such that trade details are readable only by counterparties

=== How Bisq resists censorship ===
* Bisq’s network is a '''fully distributed P2P network''', and thus difficult to shut down
* Bisq’s network is '''built on top of Tor''', and thus inherits Tor’s own censorship resistance
* '''Bisq is code''', not a company; it is not incorporated, and thus cannot be disincorporated

Introduction

2021-08-23T02:14:28Z

Willygoldman: /* How trading with Bisq is different */

Bisq is a decentralized bitcoin exchange network best understood in terms of its major attributes:

# Bisq is a cross-platform '''desktop application''' that allows anyone to buy and sell bitcoin in exchange for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies.
# Bisq is a '''trading protocol''' that enables individuals to exchange directly with one another over the internet, eliminating the need for trusted third party exchange services.
# Bisq is the '''peer-to-peer network''' formed by Bisq applications discovering, connecting to, and working with one another to implement the Bisq trading protocol. The Bisq network is fully peer-to-peer in that it requires no centrally-controlled servers and has no single points of failure.

Bisq is not a company—it is '''free/libre software''' released under version 3 of the GNU Affero General Public License. Bisq is built by individuals around the world who choose to work together. Bisq is used by individuals around the world who choose to trade with Bisq rather than any other other Bitcoin exchanges.

The project itself is organized as a [[decentralized autonomous organization]].

== Why Bisq exists ==

Bisq’s mission is to provide a '''secure''', '''private''' and '''censorship-resistant''' way of exchanging bitcoin for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies over the internet.

When we say secure, we are referring to the safety of the users' funds. Centralized exchanges take custody of the user's fiat and/or bitcoin during the trade. Worse than that, users often choose to allow this custodial relationship over their property for extended periods of time before and after the trade. The Bitcoin of thousands of users is an extreme incentive for those centralized servers to be hacked or compromised by trusted insiders. History shows these incentives are too great: the loss of user bitcoin from centralized exchanges has happened and likely will happen again.

When we say private, we are referring to the users' ability to control access to their own information. Most centralized exchanges require users to divulge personally identifying information in order to set up an account, which in turn links users' trading activity to their respective identities. This practice creates extreme risks for users: their personal details and financial information will be stolen, leaked, or otherwise used against their own best interests.

When we say censorship-resistant, we are referring to freedom. That is the users' ability to voluntarily trade with one another without interference from a third party. Centralized Bitcoin exchanges are highly susceptible to such interference. By their nature, centrralized exchanes must operate within one legal jurisdiction or another. This single jurisdiction puts them at risk of being fined or shut down if they do not comply with the laws and other rules of that jurisdiction. Almost universally there is a legal requirements to collect personal information of the users. The applicable laws may include restrictions on who can trade and what can be traded.

Bisq was built to fulfill this mission: provide people an exchange mechanism where users keep control of funds, that is private by default, and that defends freedom of transaction.

{{Admonition_Note|If Bitcoin’s motto is "be your own bank," Bisq’s motto is "be your own exchange."}}

== How Bisq works ==

=== A typical transaction ===

Imagine you want to buy bitcoin (BTC) in exchange for Euros (EUR). In Bisq terminology, you are a ''buyer'' of BTC looking for a ''seller'' of BTC who will accept EUR as payment.

To complete a trade on Bisq, you would follow a series of steps similar to these:

# You download and run the Bisq application on your laptop or desktop computer
# You configure Bisq with your EUR payment method details (bank transfer, money order, etc)
# You browse Bisq’s offer book for existing offers to sell BTC for EUR
# You take an existing offer, agreeing to buy the seller’s BTC for your EUR
# You send EUR by the agreed upon method and indicate you have done so in Bisq
# You and the seller wait for your EUR payment to arrive
# The seller receives your EUR and confirms payment receipt in Bisq
# You receive your bitcoin from the seller and the trade is complete

For complete instructions on each of the steps above, see [https://bisq.network/getting-started/ Getting Started].

These steps can vary in a number of ways depending on whether you wish to buy or sell bitcoin, whether you are the ''maker'' or ''taker'' of an offer, and which payment methods you prefer to use.

Regardless, the steps above are quite different from those one would follow to complete a similar trade on a centralized exchange.

=== How trading with Bisq is different ===

Bisq is a desktop application and not a browser-based web application. When using this interface, the first difference experienced traders will notice is that there is '''no automatic order matching''' on the Bisq exchange. Bisq bitcoin buyers do not "buy at market price" or "buy at this limit." Instead Bisq bitcoin buyers accept specific Bisq bitcoin sell offers of a given amount of bitcoin, price, currency and settlement method. This approach enables truly peer-to-peer trade settlement, and ensures that users are in control of all terms of the trade.

Bisq is also unique among decentralized bitcoin exchanges in the way it coordinates '''out-of-band fiat payments'''. Bisq does not directly integrate with banks or other national currency payment systems in any way. Rather, Bisq’s trading protocol orchestrates the process of buyer and seller working together to settle fiat payments outside of the Bisq application, as demonstrated in steps 5-7 of the trading example above.

These and other differences result in a key trade-off for Bisq users: trade settlement takes longer. In exchange Bisq trading is far more secure, private and censorship-resistant for this lower speed and convenience.

=== How Bisq keeps funds secure ===
* Bisq is '''entirely non-custodial''': users stay in control of fiat and cryptocurrency funds
* Trades include '''[[security deposit|security deposits]]''' from buyer and seller to prevent fraud
* The bitcoin for sale and bitcoin security deposits are locked in a '''2-of-2 multisig escrow'''
* Disputes are handled through a decentralized human '''[[dispute resolution]]''' system

=== How Bisq keeps data private ===
* Using Bisq requires '''no registration or centralized identity verification'''
* Every Bisq application is a '''Tor hidden service'''
* Bisq has no '''central servers or databases''' to record data
* '''Data is encrypted''' such that trade details are readable only by counterparties

=== How Bisq resists censorship ===
* Bisq’s network is a '''fully distributed P2P network''', and thus difficult to shut down
* Bisq’s network is '''built on top of Tor''', and thus inherits Tor’s own censorship resistance
* '''Bisq is code''', not a company; it is not incorporated, and thus cannot be disincorporated

Introduction

2021-08-23T02:13:05Z

Willygoldman: /* Why Bisq exists */

Bisq is a decentralized bitcoin exchange network best understood in terms of its major attributes:

# Bisq is a cross-platform '''desktop application''' that allows anyone to buy and sell bitcoin in exchange for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies.
# Bisq is a '''trading protocol''' that enables individuals to exchange directly with one another over the internet, eliminating the need for trusted third party exchange services.
# Bisq is the '''peer-to-peer network''' formed by Bisq applications discovering, connecting to, and working with one another to implement the Bisq trading protocol. The Bisq network is fully peer-to-peer in that it requires no centrally-controlled servers and has no single points of failure.

Bisq is not a company—it is '''free/libre software''' released under version 3 of the GNU Affero General Public License. Bisq is built by individuals around the world who choose to work together. Bisq is used by individuals around the world who choose to trade with Bisq rather than any other other Bitcoin exchanges.

The project itself is organized as a [[decentralized autonomous organization]].

== Why Bisq exists ==

Bisq’s mission is to provide a '''secure''', '''private''' and '''censorship-resistant''' way of exchanging bitcoin for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies over the internet.

When we say secure, we are referring to the safety of the users' funds. Centralized exchanges take custody of the user's fiat and/or bitcoin during the trade. Worse than that, users often choose to allow this custodial relationship over their property for extended periods of time before and after the trade. The Bitcoin of thousands of users is an extreme incentive for those centralized servers to be hacked or compromised by trusted insiders. History shows these incentives are too great: the loss of user bitcoin from centralized exchanges has happened and likely will happen again.

When we say private, we are referring to the users' ability to control access to their own information. Most centralized exchanges require users to divulge personally identifying information in order to set up an account, which in turn links users' trading activity to their respective identities. This practice creates extreme risks for users: their personal details and financial information will be stolen, leaked, or otherwise used against their own best interests.

When we say censorship-resistant, we are referring to freedom. That is the users' ability to voluntarily trade with one another without interference from a third party. Centralized Bitcoin exchanges are highly susceptible to such interference. By their nature, centrralized exchanes must operate within one legal jurisdiction or another. This single jurisdiction puts them at risk of being fined or shut down if they do not comply with the laws and other rules of that jurisdiction. Almost universally there is a legal requirements to collect personal information of the users. The applicable laws may include restrictions on who can trade and what can be traded.

Bisq was built to fulfill this mission: provide people an exchange mechanism where users keep control of funds, that is private by default, and that defends freedom of transaction.

{{Admonition_Note|If Bitcoin’s motto is "be your own bank," Bisq’s motto is "be your own exchange."}}

== How Bisq works ==

=== A typical transaction ===

Imagine you want to buy bitcoin (BTC) in exchange for Euros (EUR). In Bisq terminology, you are a ''buyer'' of BTC looking for a ''seller'' of BTC who will accept EUR as payment.

To complete a trade on Bisq, you would follow a series of steps similar to these:

# You download and run the Bisq application on your laptop or desktop computer
# You configure Bisq with your EUR payment method details (bank transfer, money order, etc)
# You browse Bisq’s offer book for existing offers to sell BTC for EUR
# You take an existing offer, agreeing to buy the seller’s BTC for your EUR
# You send EUR by the agreed upon method and indicate you have done so in Bisq
# You and the seller wait for your EUR payment to arrive
# The seller receives your EUR and confirms payment receipt in Bisq
# You receive your bitcoin from the seller and the trade is complete

For complete instructions on each of the steps above, see [https://bisq.network/getting-started/ Getting Started].

These steps can vary in a number of ways depending on whether you wish to buy or sell bitcoin, whether you are the ''maker'' or ''taker'' of an offer, and which payment methods you prefer to use.

Regardless, the steps above are quite different from those one would follow to complete a similar trade on a centralized exchange.

=== How trading with Bisq is different ===

Bisq is a desktop application and not a browser-based web application. When using this interface, the first difference experienced traders will notice is that there is '''no automatic order matching''' on the Bisq exchange. Bisq bitcoin buyers do not "buy at market price" or "buy at this limit." Instead Bisq bitcoin buyers accept specific Bisq bitcoin sell offers of a given amount of bitcoin, price, currency and settlement method. This approach enables truly peer-to-peer trade settlement, and ensures that users are in control of all terms of the trade.

Bisq is also unique among decentralized bitcoin exchanges in the way it coordinates '''out-of-band fiat payments'''. Bisq does not directly integrate with banks or other national currency payment systems in any way. Rather, Bisq’s trading protocol orchestrates the process of buyer and seller working together to settle fiat payments outside of the Bisq application, as demonstrated in steps 5-7 of the trading example above.

These and other differences result in a key trade-off for Bisq users: trade settlement takes longer. In exchange Bisq trading is far more secure, private and censorship-resistant for this lower speed an convenience.

=== How Bisq keeps funds secure ===
* Bisq is '''entirely non-custodial''': users stay in control of fiat and cryptocurrency funds
* Trades include '''[[security deposit|security deposits]]''' from buyer and seller to prevent fraud
* The bitcoin for sale and bitcoin security deposits are locked in a '''2-of-2 multisig escrow'''
* Disputes are handled through a decentralized human '''[[dispute resolution]]''' system

=== How Bisq keeps data private ===
* Using Bisq requires '''no registration or centralized identity verification'''
* Every Bisq application is a '''Tor hidden service'''
* Bisq has no '''central servers or databases''' to record data
* '''Data is encrypted''' such that trade details are readable only by counterparties

=== How Bisq resists censorship ===
* Bisq’s network is a '''fully distributed P2P network''', and thus difficult to shut down
* Bisq’s network is '''built on top of Tor''', and thus inherits Tor’s own censorship resistance
* '''Bisq is code''', not a company; it is not incorporated, and thus cannot be disincorporated

File:CentralIzed vs Distributed.jpg

2021-08-23T02:06:10Z

Willygoldman:

Centralized vs distributed network diagram.

Contributor checklist

2021-08-23T01:22:11Z

Willygoldman: /* Compensation: BSQ tokens */

If you are interested in contributing to Bisq, welcome! This contributor checklist will get you plugged in and productive as quickly as possible.

Bisq is free and open source software, but contributing is not just about writing code. A contributor is any individual who works to improve and add value to the Bisq network and its users.

This can mean anything from fixing typos in documentation, to providing support, to testing out new growth strategies, to implementing new Bisq features and everything in between. All such contributions are eligible for [[compensation]] from the Bisq DAO.

__TOC__

== Team Communications: Keybase ==

Get communicating with us.

# Keybase is a seperate piece of software we use to communicate. The software supports different teams. Get the software here: [https://keybase.io/team/bisq Keybase team]. In the Keybase software, join the Bisq team under the "Teams" Tab then "Join a team" and then "Bisq" as the team to join. [[File:BisqTeamsView.jpg||600px|thumb|center|Sucessfully joined the Bisq team]] This is an open community, no permissions needed to join. You will see the Bisq logo when you find the right team.
# Introduce yourself in the <code>#introductions</code> channel. Say a bit about your skills and interests. This will help others point you in the right direction.
# Explore the other channels for our team on Keybase, and join the ones that are of interest to you. For a start, consider joining <code>#proposals</code>, <code>#dev</code>, <code>#growth</code>. There is <code>#dev-onboarding</code> for developers.

== Code: GitHub ==

Disregard these developer-oriented items if you're not looking to contribute code.

# Watch the following repositories on GitHub: [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq core software], [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/discussions discussions], [https://github.com/bisq-network/proposals proposals], [https://github.com/bisq-network/growth growth], [https://github.com/bisq-network/roles roles] and [https://github.com/bisq-network/compensation compensation].
# Read the [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/docs/README.md developer docs] to set up a Bisq development environment.
# Read [https://chris.beams.io/posts/git-commit How to Write a Git Commit Message] and follow its [https://chris.beams.io/posts/git-commit/#7-rules 7 rules] when contributing to Bisq projects.
# Get set up to [https://help.github.com/articles/signing-commits-using-gpg/ Sign your Git Commits] with GPG. Any commits to any Bisq repository must be signed.

== Bisq Project Management ==

# Read about [[Project_management|Bisq’s project management process]].
# Familiarize yourself with [https://ossec-docs.readthedocs.io/en/latest/docs/development/oRFC/orfc-1.html C4: The Collective Code Construction Contract]. It’s a simple set of collaboration rules based on GitHub’s fork+pull request model, and a foundational part of how we work together.
# For more context on C4 and the principles behind it, read author Pieter Hintjens' short book, [https://www.gitbook.com/?utm_source=legacy&utm_medium=redirect&utm_campaign=close_legacy Social Architecture].
# To understand the fundamentals of Bisq's mission and motivations, read the introductory wiki articles on [[Introduction|Bisq]] and the [[Introduction_to_the_DAO|Bisq DAO]].
# To understand Bisq’s commitment to radical transparency and radical honesty, read Part III of [https://www.amazon.com/Principles-Life-Work-Ray-Dalio/dp/1501124021/ Ray Dalio’s Principles].
# To get inspired about what building software in a non-hierarchical organization can be like (and what it requires of everyone involved), read the [https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/apps/valve/Valve_NewEmployeeHandbook.pdf Valve Employee Handbook].

== Communication Channels ==

# Browse and subscribe to the [https://www.youtube.com/c/bisq-network Bisq YouTube channel] to catch up on meetings we hold, tutorials we publish, technical sessions, and more.
# Follow [https://twitter.com/bisq_network @bisq_network] on Twitter, or on any of the other channels listed [https://bisq.network/#community on the bottom of the website]: forum, Telegram, Matrix, Mastodon, etc.
# Subscribe to the [https://lists.bisq.network/listinfo/bisq-contrib bisq-contrib] mailing list for low-frequency, high-priority contributor communications.

If you decide to proceed and start contributing, you'll want to join Bisq's GitHub organization so you can be assigned to issues:

# Request an invite to the [https://github.com/bisq-network @bisq-network GitHub organization] on Keybase. An admin will get you set up. Doing this makes it possible to add you to the [https://github.com/orgs/bisq-network/teams @bisq-network/contributors] team and to assign you to GitHub issues.
# After accepting your GitHub invitation, consider changing your [https://github.com/orgs/bisq-network/people membership visibility] from <code>private</code> to <code>public</code>. This helps others know at a glance roughly how many contributors are involved with Bisq.

== Compensation: BSQ tokens ==

After browsing GitHub repositories and Keybase discussions, you will start to develop a sense for what's happening, what's needed, and where you can help:

# '''Find a problem somewhere in Bisq-land''' that (a) needs fixing and (b) is a match for your skills and interests. Browse critical bugs, open bounties, follow chats on Keybase and the forums, and ask around about what other contributors think needs fixing.
# '''Get assigned to an issue''' or have your initiative acknowledged in some other way. While you don’t strictly need anybody’s permission to do anything for Bisq, you’ll want to make sure there's buy-in from other contributors so your work is received well. Otherwise, there are no guarantees that your work will be merged, reviewed, or eligible for compensation.
# '''Do work to fix that problem'''. Submit your fix for review with a pull request (for code and documentation changes) or with a GitHub issue (for everything else).
# '''Request that others review your work'''. The best way to do this is by writing good commit comments and pull request/issue descriptions that clearly explain the problem your work is intended to solve, why it’s important, and why you fixed it the way you did. Make it as easy as possible for others to review your work. Make it a pleasure for others to review your work.
# '''Incorporate review feedback''' you get until your fix gets merged or is otherwise accepted.
# '''Repeat''' steps 1–5.
# [[compensation|Submit a compensation request]] toward the end of the cycle.

{{Admonition Note|As you'll see from browsing the various repositories on GitHub, changes to Bisq are almost always discussed publicly. This helps maintain Bisq's commitment to transparency, invites feedback to improve the quality of contributions, and it helps keep compensation honest. '''Always try to make sure your work is documented somewhere so others can follow its progress and offer feedback.'''}}

Ultimately, please remember that all Bisq contributors participate on a voluntary basis, and the more energy and quality you bring to the table, the more existing contributors will be encouraged to pay you attention.

Regarding development, keep in mind that reviewing other contributors' work can be highly valuable as well (both to the project, and also to yourself as a way to learn how Bisq works). Quality code reviews are eligible for compensation just like any other contribution.

Main Page

2021-08-23T01:06:17Z

Willygoldman: Removing slang for non-native speakers.

{| id="mp-upper" style="width: 100%; margin:6px 0 0 0; background:none; border-spacing: 0px;"
| class="MainPageBG" style="width:55%; border:1px solid #fff; background:#fff; vertical-align:top; color:#000;" |
{| id="mp-left" style="vertical-align:top; background:#fff;"
! style="padding:2px;" | <h2 id="mp-tfa-h2" style="margin:3px; background:#f7f7f7; font-size:120%; font-weight:bold; border:1px solid #fff; text-align:left; color:#000; padding:0.2em 0.4em;">Bisq</h2>
|-
| style="color:#000;" | <div id="mp-tfa" style="padding:10px 5px">{{MainPage_Intro}}</div>
|-
! style="padding:2px" | <h2 id="mp-dyk-h2" style="margin:3px; background:#f7f7f7; font-size:120%; font-weight:bold; border:1px solid #fff; text-align:left; color:#000; padding:0.2em 0.4em;">Why?</h2>
|-
| style="color:#000;padding:2px 5px 5px" | <div id="mp-dyk" style="padding:10px 5px">{{MainPage_Reasons}}</div>
|}
| style="border:1px solid transparent;" |



| class="MainPageBG" style="width:45%; border:1px solid #fff; background:#fff; vertical-align:top;"|
{| id="mp-right" style="width:100%; vertical-align:top; background:#fff;"
! style="padding:2px" | <h2 id="mp-otd-h2" style="margin:3px; background:rgba(37, 177, 53, 0.15); font-size:120%; font-weight:bold; border:1px solid #fff; text-align:left; color:#000; padding:0.2em 0.4em;">Using Bisq</h2>
|-
| style="color:#000;padding:2px 5px 5px" | <div id="mp-otd">
{|cellpadding="2" style="background-color: inherit;"
|-
* '''[[Introduction]]''' — what Bisq is and why
* '''[https://bisq.network/getting-started Getting started]''' — complete your first trade in minutes
* '''[[Downloading and installing]]''' — or [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/docs/build.md build it yourself]
* '''Backing up critical data''' — [[Backing_up_your_wallet_seed|seed words]] and [[Backing_up_application_data|data directory]]
* '''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDkzUl9wibc Take a tour]''' — get acquainted with the interface
* '''[[Payment methods]]''' — supported payment methods and limitations
* '''[[Trading fees]]''' — competitive rates for unparalleled privacy
* '''[https://bisq.network/markets Markets]''' — current offers and recent trades
* '''[[Dispute resolution]]''' — what happens when a trade doesn't go smoothly
* '''[[Support]]''' — where to go when you need support
* '''Tips and Tricks''' — how to get the most out of Bisq ([[Performance_Tips|performance]] + [[Privacy_Tips|privacy]])


</div>
|}
|-
! style="padding:2px" | <h2 id="mp-otd-h2" style="margin:3px; background:rgba(37, 177, 53, 0.15); font-size:120%; font-weight:bold; border:1px solid #fff; text-align:left; color:#000; padding:0.2em 0.4em;">Contributing</h2>
|-
| style="color:#000;padding:2px 5px 5px" | <div id="mp-otd">
{|cellpadding="2" style="background-color: inherit;"
|-
* '''[[Contributor_checklist|Contributor checklist]]''' — see how we think, work, and collaborate
* '''[https://github.com/bisq-network GitHub]''' — all the code
* '''[https://github.com/orgs/bisq-network/projects/3 Current projects]''' — see what we're up to right now
</div>
|}
|-
! style="padding:2px" | <h2 id="mp-otd-h2" style="margin:3px; background:rgba(37, 177, 53, 0.15); font-size:120%; font-weight:bold; border:1px solid #fff; text-align:left; color:#000; padding:0.2em 0.4em;">Network activity and stats</h2>
|-
| style="color:#000;padding:2px 5px 5px" | <div id="mp-otd">
{|cellpadding="2" style="background-color: inherit;"
|-
* '''[https://bisq.network/stats Overview]''' — trading volume, BSQ issuance, other activity
* '''[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1o-I5fAx7DJRVqYjW8fPbo0ztlGIhIZ1EM2iLc5aEHnA Trading activity]''' — all the numbers, in detail
* '''[https://monitor.bisq.network Network monitor]''' — P2P network activity, Tor metrics, other data
* '''[https://bisq.network/release-stats Release stats]''' — download numbers by release
</div>
|}
|-
! style="padding:2px" | <h2 id="mp-otd-h2" style="margin:3px; background:rgba(37, 177, 53, 0.15); font-size:120%; font-weight:bold; border:1px solid #fff; text-align:left; color:#000; padding:0.2em 0.4em;">Community</h2>
|-
| style="color:#000;padding:2px 5px 5px" | <div id="mp-otd">
{|cellpadding="2" style="background-color: inherit;"
|-
* '''[https://keybase.io/team/bisq Keybase]''' — where everyone hangs out and collaborates
* '''[https://twitter.com/bisq_network/ Twitter]''' — user-facing announcements and news
* '''[https://bisq.network/blog Blog]''' — longer-form updates and perspectives
* '''[https://youtube.com/c/bisq-network YouTube]''' — calls, how-tos, interviews, and more
* '''[https://bisq.community Forum]''' — ask questions, post opinions
* '''[https://reddit.com/r/bisq Reddit]''' — mingle with other redditors who use Bisq
</div>
|}
|}

</noinclude>__NOTOC____NOEDITSECTION__

Downloading and installing

2021-08-23T01:03:53Z

Willygoldman:

To use Bisq, you must first '''[https://bisq.network/downloads/ download and install]''' it. Most exchanges are centralized exchanges running on servers controlled by the exchange. Bisq is decentralized, running only on the desktops of Bisq users. This means there is no single point of control or failure.

Bisq manages offers to trade using a peer-to-peer network. This is a global network only made of users who are also running Bisq on their own computers.

Centralized services are easy to monitor, block, and shut down, while peer-to-peer networks like BitTorrent, Bitcoin and Bisq are difficult to surveil, censor, shutdown or hack.

All of this means that if you want to use the Bisq network, you must download and run the software and become part of the Bisq network.

== Download Bisq ==

The most convenient way to install Bisq on your machine is from a pre-built install file from the [https://bisq.network/downloads/ Bisq website] or [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest latest GitHub release].

There's also a community-maintained [https://snapcraft.io/bisq-desktop Snap package] for various Linux distributions.

{{Admonition_Note|See [[#OS-specific_install_notes|install notes for various Linux distributions below]].}}

You can download the installer for your operating system and install Bisq right away, but we strongly recommend that you [[ #Verify installer file | verify the integrity ]] of your installer file first.

'''If you have issues, please check the ''Known issues with installation'' section in [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest release notes].'''

== Verify installer file ==

Any software that manages funds, signs transactions, and deals with highly sensitive data is a prime target for malware. Bisq does all 3. Therefore it's highly recommended that you verify the integrity of the installer file you use to install Bisq.

This is just something you should do for the initial Bisq install—afterward, when updates to Bisq are available, you'll be prompted to download and install them through Bisq's interface, and the software will verify the integrity of updates for you.

Bisq installer files are currently built and signed by Christoph Atteneder (ripcurlx). His public key ID is <code>29CDFD3B</code> and fingerprint is <code>CB36 D7D2 EBB2 E35D 9B75 500B CD5D C1C5 29CD FD3B</code>, which you can verify through [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/commits?author=ripcurlx commits on GitHub] and [https://keybase.io/ripcurlx on Keybase].

The full public key is available [https://bisq.network/pubkey/29CDFD3B.asc here on the Bisq website].

=== Obtain signature files for installer files ===

To verify your installer file is intact and as the developer intended, you'll need the PGP signature file corresponding to the installer file you downloaded.

On the Bisq website's download page, download the PGP signature file for the installer file you downloaded before.

If you'd prefer to download from GitHub instead, you'll see the <code>.asc</code> file for your installer in the assets section [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest of the release] along with the installer file itself.

In either case, the filename for the <code>.asc</code> you download should be identical to the filename for the installer file, just with <code>.asc</code> appended (e.g., signature file for <code>Bisq-1.2.7.dmg</code> would be <code>Bisq-1.2.7.dmg.asc</code>).

Once you've got the installer file and its corresponding signature file, proceed to the directions for your operating system below.

=== Windows ===

Once you've downloaded the installer file and corresponding signature file:

'''Download ripcurlx's public key'''

Download ripcurlx's public key [https://bisq.network/pubkey/29CDFD3B.asc here on the Bisq website].

'''Download and install Gpg4win'''

Windows doesn't come with GPG software installed by default, so you'll need to install it in order to verify Bisq's installer files.

You can get Gpg4win [https://www.gpg4win.org/ here].

Double-click the installer file and proceed to install with all default settings.

'''Import ripcurlx's public key'''

In Kleopatra, import ripcurlx's public key file <code>29CDFD3B.asc</code>. Select ''No'' if asked to mark the certificate as valid.

'''Verify the signature of the binary you downloaded'''

With the <code>install-file.exe</code> and <code>signature-file.exe.asc</code> in the same directory, double-click on the <code>.exe.asc</code> file.

You should see a Kleopatra window pop up with a green progress bar that says "Verified .exe with .exe.asc". The program will continue to say "The data could not be verified" in bold but you can disregard that message.

This means the installer file we downloaded is intact and as intended! You can proceed to install Bisq by double-clicking the <code>.exe</code> file.

=== macOS and Linux ===

Once you've downloaded the installer file and corresponding signature file:

'''Import ripcurlx's public key'''

Run:

<nowiki>curl https://bisq.network/pubkey/29CDFD3B.asc | gpg --import</nowiki>

You might see an ominous-sounding warning along the lines of "This key is not certified with a trusted signature". This basically means that none of the public keys on your machine have signed the key you just imported (and that you haven't explicitly indicated you trust this key yourself). This is not necessarily a bad thing, but please see more about what this means [https://serverfault.com/a/569923 here]. In short, you can verify the integrity of this key by [[ #Verify installer file | cross-referencing ripcurlx's Bisq commit signatures and Keybase profile]].

'''Verify the signature of the binary you downloaded'''

If you are not familiar with GPG (a free open source version of PGP) you probably need to install GPG command line tools first.
Following instructions are taken from https://blog.ghostinthemachines.com/2015/03/01/how-to-use-gpg-command-line.

<cite>The easiest way to install the GPG command line tools on your Mac is to first install Homebrew, a package management system that makes thousands of software packages available for install on your Mac.</cite>

<cite>Open a Terminal window (Applications > Utilities menu), then enter the following command.</cite>

<nowiki>ruby -e "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/master/install)" </nowiki>

<cite>When that’s complete, install the GPG software package with the following command.</cite>
<nowiki>brew install gnupg </nowiki>

With the installer file and installer signature file in the same directory, run:

<nowiki>gpg --digest-algo SHA256 --verify SIGNATURE-FILE.asc </nowiki>

Where <code>SIGNATURE-FILE.asc</code> is the filename of the <code>.asc</code> file you just downloaded.

'''Common errors'''

gpg: directory '/Users/bisq/.gnupg' created
gpg: keybox '/Users/bisq/.gnupg/pubring.kbx' created
gpg: can't open 'SIGNATURE-FILE.asc': No such file or directory
gpg: verify signatures failed: No such file or directory

In this case you haven't replaced <code>SIGNATURE-FILE.asc</code> with the actual signature file you want to use e.g. <code>Bisq-1.6.4.dmg.asc</code>

gpg: can't open 'Bisq-1.6.4.dmg.asc': No such file or directory

In this case you either haven't downloaded the signature file already or you are not in the correct directory. You can run <code>pwd</code> to see the path you are in.
If you want to switch to the directory, where the downloaded files are you can use the [https://www.git-tower.com/learn/git/ebook/en/command-line/appendix/command-line-101/#:~:text=It%20will%20return%20the%20path,%24%20cd%20.. `cd` command] and switch to the correct directory by typing e.g. <code>cd ~/Downloads</code>(switching to the download directory on macOS). To list all files in the current directory you can enter <code>ls -la</code> in your console.

gpg: assuming signed data in 'Bisq-1.6.4.dmg'
gpg: Signature made Thu May 6 13:32:43 2021 EDT
gpg: using RSA key CB36D7D2EBB2E35D9B75500BCD5DC1C529CDFD3B
gpg: issuer "christoph.atteneder@gmail.com"
gpg: Can't check signature: No public key</nowiki>

In this case you haven't imported the public key successfully. Please follow the guide above on how to import the public key for verification.

'''Successful verification'''

You should see output that looks something like:

gpg: Signature made Thu 13 Feb 2020 01:38:03 PM EST
gpg: using RSA key CB36D7D2EBB2E35D9B75500BCD5DC1C529CDFD3B
gpg: issuer ...
gpg: Good signature from "Christoph Atteneder ..."

Great—this means the installer file we downloaded is intact and as intended!

'''Verify jar file after installation'''

As one last check, you can verify the hash of the jar file after installing Bisq.

On macOS, the default location of the jar file is:

/Applications/Bisq.app/Contents/Java/

On Linux, the default location of the jar file is:

/opt/bisq/bin/Bisq

Get the hash of the jar file with:

shasum -a256 /path/to/jar/file/jar-name.jar

The hash you get should match the hash in the <code>.jar.txt</code> file in the [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest release assets].

== Build from source ==

[https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/docs/build.md Building Bisq from source] requires just 1 command once you have the correct JDK installed on your machine.

Finding and installing the correct JDK can sometimes be frustrating, so Bisq's developers have written scripts to make it easier:
* [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/scripts/install_java.sh For Linux and macOS]
* [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/scripts/install_java.bat For Windows]

== OS-specific install notes ==

=== Linux (General) ===

Bisq works with a number of Linux distros, but not all desktop environments are supported.

These are all known working desktop environments (it's a growing list—if you find another one that works, please add it!):

* GNOME
* Mate
* Xfce
* KDE Plasma
* Cinnamon

Bisq might not work properly if you switch from the original desktop environment of your Linux distribution to a different one.

Note: users with discrete GPUs may encounter issues launching Bisq in some desktop environments.

=== Arch Linux ===

The Bisq [https://bisq.network/downloads/ downloads page] includes a link to the Arch User Repository (AUR) page for the [https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/bisq/ bisq package].

# From the command line, clone the repository from AUR.
# Then from the cloned directory, run <code>makepkg -si</code>. This will read the PKGBUILD file to download, verify, build, and install the various tools necessary to install Bisq.

Please be advised: when you're using AUR, you're responsible for your own safety. Be sure to verify the PKGBUILD file.

=== Tails ===

Please see [[Running Bisq on Tails]] for details on downloading, installing, and configuring Bisq on Tails.

=== Qubes ===

Please see [[Running Bisq on Qubes]] for a detailed Qubes setup guide.

[[Category:Use Cases]]

Downloading and installing

2021-08-23T01:03:22Z

Willygoldman:

To use Bisq, you must first '''[https://bisq.network/downloads/ download and install]''' it. Most exchanges are centralized exchanges running on servers controlled by the exchange. Bisq is decentralized, running only on the desktops of Bisq users. this means there is no single point of control or failure.

Bisq manages offers to trade using a peer-to-peer network. This is a global network only made of users who are also running Bisq on their own computers.

Centralized services are easy to monitor, block, and shut down, while peer-to-peer networks like BitTorrent, Bitcoin and Bisq are difficult to surveil, censor, shutdown or hack.

All of this means that if you want to use the Bisq network, you must download and run the software and become part of the Bisq network.

== Download Bisq ==

The most convenient way to install Bisq on your machine is from a pre-built install file from the [https://bisq.network/downloads/ Bisq website] or [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest latest GitHub release].

There's also a community-maintained [https://snapcraft.io/bisq-desktop Snap package] for various Linux distributions.

{{Admonition_Note|See [[#OS-specific_install_notes|install notes for various Linux distributions below]].}}

You can download the installer for your operating system and install Bisq right away, but we strongly recommend that you [[ #Verify installer file | verify the integrity ]] of your installer file first.

'''If you have issues, please check the ''Known issues with installation'' section in [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest release notes].'''

== Verify installer file ==

Any software that manages funds, signs transactions, and deals with highly sensitive data is a prime target for malware. Bisq does all 3. Therefore it's highly recommended that you verify the integrity of the installer file you use to install Bisq.

This is just something you should do for the initial Bisq install—afterward, when updates to Bisq are available, you'll be prompted to download and install them through Bisq's interface, and the software will verify the integrity of updates for you.

Bisq installer files are currently built and signed by Christoph Atteneder (ripcurlx). His public key ID is <code>29CDFD3B</code> and fingerprint is <code>CB36 D7D2 EBB2 E35D 9B75 500B CD5D C1C5 29CD FD3B</code>, which you can verify through [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/commits?author=ripcurlx commits on GitHub] and [https://keybase.io/ripcurlx on Keybase].

The full public key is available [https://bisq.network/pubkey/29CDFD3B.asc here on the Bisq website].

=== Obtain signature files for installer files ===

To verify your installer file is intact and as the developer intended, you'll need the PGP signature file corresponding to the installer file you downloaded.

On the Bisq website's download page, download the PGP signature file for the installer file you downloaded before.

If you'd prefer to download from GitHub instead, you'll see the <code>.asc</code> file for your installer in the assets section [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest of the release] along with the installer file itself.

In either case, the filename for the <code>.asc</code> you download should be identical to the filename for the installer file, just with <code>.asc</code> appended (e.g., signature file for <code>Bisq-1.2.7.dmg</code> would be <code>Bisq-1.2.7.dmg.asc</code>).

Once you've got the installer file and its corresponding signature file, proceed to the directions for your operating system below.

=== Windows ===

Once you've downloaded the installer file and corresponding signature file:

'''Download ripcurlx's public key'''

Download ripcurlx's public key [https://bisq.network/pubkey/29CDFD3B.asc here on the Bisq website].

'''Download and install Gpg4win'''

Windows doesn't come with GPG software installed by default, so you'll need to install it in order to verify Bisq's installer files.

You can get Gpg4win [https://www.gpg4win.org/ here].

Double-click the installer file and proceed to install with all default settings.

'''Import ripcurlx's public key'''

In Kleopatra, import ripcurlx's public key file <code>29CDFD3B.asc</code>. Select ''No'' if asked to mark the certificate as valid.

'''Verify the signature of the binary you downloaded'''

With the <code>install-file.exe</code> and <code>signature-file.exe.asc</code> in the same directory, double-click on the <code>.exe.asc</code> file.

You should see a Kleopatra window pop up with a green progress bar that says "Verified .exe with .exe.asc". The program will continue to say "The data could not be verified" in bold but you can disregard that message.

This means the installer file we downloaded is intact and as intended! You can proceed to install Bisq by double-clicking the <code>.exe</code> file.

=== macOS and Linux ===

Once you've downloaded the installer file and corresponding signature file:

'''Import ripcurlx's public key'''

Run:

<nowiki>curl https://bisq.network/pubkey/29CDFD3B.asc | gpg --import</nowiki>

You might see an ominous-sounding warning along the lines of "This key is not certified with a trusted signature". This basically means that none of the public keys on your machine have signed the key you just imported (and that you haven't explicitly indicated you trust this key yourself). This is not necessarily a bad thing, but please see more about what this means [https://serverfault.com/a/569923 here]. In short, you can verify the integrity of this key by [[ #Verify installer file | cross-referencing ripcurlx's Bisq commit signatures and Keybase profile]].

'''Verify the signature of the binary you downloaded'''

If you are not familiar with GPG (a free open source version of PGP) you probably need to install GPG command line tools first.
Following instructions are taken from https://blog.ghostinthemachines.com/2015/03/01/how-to-use-gpg-command-line.

<cite>The easiest way to install the GPG command line tools on your Mac is to first install Homebrew, a package management system that makes thousands of software packages available for install on your Mac.</cite>

<cite>Open a Terminal window (Applications > Utilities menu), then enter the following command.</cite>

<nowiki>ruby -e "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/master/install)" </nowiki>

<cite>When that’s complete, install the GPG software package with the following command.</cite>
<nowiki>brew install gnupg </nowiki>

With the installer file and installer signature file in the same directory, run:

<nowiki>gpg --digest-algo SHA256 --verify SIGNATURE-FILE.asc </nowiki>

Where <code>SIGNATURE-FILE.asc</code> is the filename of the <code>.asc</code> file you just downloaded.

'''Common errors'''

gpg: directory '/Users/bisq/.gnupg' created
gpg: keybox '/Users/bisq/.gnupg/pubring.kbx' created
gpg: can't open 'SIGNATURE-FILE.asc': No such file or directory
gpg: verify signatures failed: No such file or directory

In this case you haven't replaced <code>SIGNATURE-FILE.asc</code> with the actual signature file you want to use e.g. <code>Bisq-1.6.4.dmg.asc</code>

gpg: can't open 'Bisq-1.6.4.dmg.asc': No such file or directory

In this case you either haven't downloaded the signature file already or you are not in the correct directory. You can run <code>pwd</code> to see the path you are in.
If you want to switch to the directory, where the downloaded files are you can use the [https://www.git-tower.com/learn/git/ebook/en/command-line/appendix/command-line-101/#:~:text=It%20will%20return%20the%20path,%24%20cd%20.. `cd` command] and switch to the correct directory by typing e.g. <code>cd ~/Downloads</code>(switching to the download directory on macOS). To list all files in the current directory you can enter <code>ls -la</code> in your console.

gpg: assuming signed data in 'Bisq-1.6.4.dmg'
gpg: Signature made Thu May 6 13:32:43 2021 EDT
gpg: using RSA key CB36D7D2EBB2E35D9B75500BCD5DC1C529CDFD3B
gpg: issuer "christoph.atteneder@gmail.com"
gpg: Can't check signature: No public key</nowiki>

In this case you haven't imported the public key successfully. Please follow the guide above on how to import the public key for verification.

'''Successful verification'''

You should see output that looks something like:

gpg: Signature made Thu 13 Feb 2020 01:38:03 PM EST
gpg: using RSA key CB36D7D2EBB2E35D9B75500BCD5DC1C529CDFD3B
gpg: issuer ...
gpg: Good signature from "Christoph Atteneder ..."

Great—this means the installer file we downloaded is intact and as intended!

'''Verify jar file after installation'''

As one last check, you can verify the hash of the jar file after installing Bisq.

On macOS, the default location of the jar file is:

/Applications/Bisq.app/Contents/Java/

On Linux, the default location of the jar file is:

/opt/bisq/bin/Bisq

Get the hash of the jar file with:

shasum -a256 /path/to/jar/file/jar-name.jar

The hash you get should match the hash in the <code>.jar.txt</code> file in the [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/releases/latest release assets].

== Build from source ==

[https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/docs/build.md Building Bisq from source] requires just 1 command once you have the correct JDK installed on your machine.

Finding and installing the correct JDK can sometimes be frustrating, so Bisq's developers have written scripts to make it easier:
* [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/scripts/install_java.sh For Linux and macOS]
* [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/scripts/install_java.bat For Windows]

== OS-specific install notes ==

=== Linux (General) ===

Bisq works with a number of Linux distros, but not all desktop environments are supported.

These are all known working desktop environments (it's a growing list—if you find another one that works, please add it!):

* GNOME
* Mate
* Xfce
* KDE Plasma
* Cinnamon

Bisq might not work properly if you switch from the original desktop environment of your Linux distribution to a different one.

Note: users with discrete GPUs may encounter issues launching Bisq in some desktop environments.

=== Arch Linux ===

The Bisq [https://bisq.network/downloads/ downloads page] includes a link to the Arch User Repository (AUR) page for the [https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/bisq/ bisq package].

# From the command line, clone the repository from AUR.
# Then from the cloned directory, run <code>makepkg -si</code>. This will read the PKGBUILD file to download, verify, build, and install the various tools necessary to install Bisq.

Please be advised: when you're using AUR, you're responsible for your own safety. Be sure to verify the PKGBUILD file.

=== Tails ===

Please see [[Running Bisq on Tails]] for details on downloading, installing, and configuring Bisq on Tails.

=== Qubes ===

Please see [[Running Bisq on Qubes]] for a detailed Qubes setup guide.

[[Category:Use Cases]]

File:CEX vs DEX.png

2021-08-23T00:53:08Z

Willygoldman:

Visual of Centralized vs Decentralized exchange

Introduction

2021-08-23T00:27:21Z

Willygoldman: /* How Bisq keeps funds secure */

Bisq is a decentralized bitcoin exchange network best understood in terms of its major attributes:

# Bisq is a cross-platform '''desktop application''' that allows anyone to buy and sell bitcoin in exchange for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies.
# Bisq is a '''trading protocol''' that enables individuals to exchange directly with one another over the internet, eliminating the need for trusted third party exchange services.
# Bisq is the '''peer-to-peer network''' formed by Bisq applications discovering, connecting to, and working with one another to implement the Bisq trading protocol. The Bisq network is fully peer-to-peer in that it requires no centrally-controlled servers and has no single points of failure.

Bisq is not a company—it is '''free/libre software''' released under version 3 of the GNU Affero General Public License. Bisq is built by individuals around the world who choose to work together. Bisq is used by individuals around the world who choose to trade with Bisq rather than any other other Bitcoin exchanges.

The project itself is organized as a [[decentralized autonomous organization]].

== Why Bisq exists ==

Bisq’s mission is to provide a '''secure''', '''private''' and '''censorship-resistant''' way of exchanging bitcoin for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies over the internet.

When we say secure, we are referring to the safety of the users' funds. Centralized exchanges take custody of the user's fiat and/or bitcoin during the trade. Worse than that, users often choose to allow this custodial relationship over their property for extended periods of time before and after the trade. The Bitcoin of thousands of users is an extreme incentive for those centralized servers to be hacked or compromised by trusted insiders. History shows these incentives are too great: the loss of user bitcoin from centralized exchanges has happened and likely will happen again.

When we say private, we are referring to the users' ability to control access to their own information. Most centralized exchanges require users to divulge personally identifying information in order to set up an account, which in turn links users' trading activity to their respective identities. This practice creates extreme risks for users: their personal details and financial information will be stolen, leaked, or otherwise used against their own best interests.

When we say censorship-resistant, we are referring to freedom. That is the users' ability to voluntarily trade with one another without interference from a third party. Centralized Bitcoin exchanges are highly susceptible to such interference. By their nature, centrralized exchanes must operate within one legal jurisdiction or another. This single jurisdiction puts them at risk of being fined or shut down if they do not comply with the laws and other rules of that jurisdiction. Almost universally there is a legal requirements to collect personal information of the users under "Know Your Customer" (KYC) regulations. The applicable laws may include restrictions on who can trade and what can be traded.

Bisq was built to fulfill this mission: provide people an exchange mechanism where users keep control of funds, that is private by default, and that defends freedom of transaction.

{{Admonition_Note|If Bitcoin’s motto is "be your own bank," Bisq’s motto is "be your own exchange."}}

== How Bisq works ==

=== A typical transaction ===

Imagine you want to buy bitcoin (BTC) in exchange for Euros (EUR). In Bisq terminology, you are a ''buyer'' of BTC looking for a ''seller'' of BTC who will accept EUR as payment.

To complete a trade on Bisq, you would follow a series of steps similar to these:

# You download and run the Bisq application on your laptop or desktop computer
# You configure Bisq with your EUR payment method details (bank transfer, money order, etc)
# You browse Bisq’s offer book for existing offers to sell BTC for EUR
# You take an existing offer, agreeing to buy the seller’s BTC for your EUR
# You send EUR by the agreed upon method and indicate you have done so in Bisq
# You and the seller wait for your EUR payment to arrive
# The seller receives your EUR and confirms payment receipt in Bisq
# You receive your bitcoin from the seller and the trade is complete

For complete instructions on each of the steps above, see [https://bisq.network/getting-started/ Getting Started].

These steps can vary in a number of ways depending on whether you wish to buy or sell bitcoin, whether you are the ''maker'' or ''taker'' of an offer, and which payment methods you prefer to use.

Regardless, the steps above are quite different from those one would follow to complete a similar trade on a centralized exchange.

=== How trading with Bisq is different ===

Bisq is a desktop application and not a browser-based web application. When using this interface, the first difference experienced traders will notice is that there is '''no automatic order matching''' on the Bisq exchange. Bisq bitcoin buyers do not "buy at market price" or "buy at this limit." Instead Bisq bitcoin buyers accept specific Bisq bitcoin sell offers of a given amount of bitcoin, price, currency and settlement method. This approach enables truly peer-to-peer trade settlement, and ensures that users are in control of all terms of the trade.

Bisq is also unique among decentralized bitcoin exchanges in the way it coordinates '''out-of-band fiat payments'''. Bisq does not directly integrate with banks or other national currency payment systems in any way. Rather, Bisq’s trading protocol orchestrates the process of buyer and seller working together to settle fiat payments outside of the Bisq application, as demonstrated in steps 5-7 of the trading example above.

These and other differences result in a key trade-off for Bisq users: trade settlement takes longer. In exchange Bisq trading is far more secure, private and censorship-resistant for this lower speed an convenience.

=== How Bisq keeps funds secure ===
* Bisq is '''entirely non-custodial''': users stay in control of fiat and cryptocurrency funds
* Trades include '''[[security deposit|security deposits]]''' from buyer and seller to prevent fraud
* The bitcoin for sale and bitcoin security deposits are locked in a '''2-of-2 multisig escrow'''
* Disputes are handled through a decentralized human '''[[dispute resolution]]''' system

=== How Bisq keeps data private ===
* Using Bisq requires '''no registration or centralized identity verification'''
* Every Bisq application is a '''Tor hidden service'''
* Bisq has no '''central servers or databases''' to record data
* '''Data is encrypted''' such that trade details are readable only by counterparties

=== How Bisq resists censorship ===
* Bisq’s network is a '''fully distributed P2P network''', and thus difficult to shut down
* Bisq’s network is '''built on top of Tor''', and thus inherits Tor’s own censorship resistance
* '''Bisq is code''', not a company; it is not incorporated, and thus cannot be disincorporated

Introduction

2021-08-23T00:25:12Z

Willygoldman: /* A typical transaction */ Switched to EUR from USD given that EUR offers accounts for 4x the volume of USD offers in BTC right now (2.73 BTC vs 0.74)

Bisq is a decentralized bitcoin exchange network best understood in terms of its major attributes:

# Bisq is a cross-platform '''desktop application''' that allows anyone to buy and sell bitcoin in exchange for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies.
# Bisq is a '''trading protocol''' that enables individuals to exchange directly with one another over the internet, eliminating the need for trusted third party exchange services.
# Bisq is the '''peer-to-peer network''' formed by Bisq applications discovering, connecting to, and working with one another to implement the Bisq trading protocol. The Bisq network is fully peer-to-peer in that it requires no centrally-controlled servers and has no single points of failure.

Bisq is not a company—it is '''free/libre software''' released under version 3 of the GNU Affero General Public License. Bisq is built by individuals around the world who choose to work together. Bisq is used by individuals around the world who choose to trade with Bisq rather than any other other Bitcoin exchanges.

The project itself is organized as a [[decentralized autonomous organization]].

== Why Bisq exists ==

Bisq’s mission is to provide a '''secure''', '''private''' and '''censorship-resistant''' way of exchanging bitcoin for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies over the internet.

When we say secure, we are referring to the safety of the users' funds. Centralized exchanges take custody of the user's fiat and/or bitcoin during the trade. Worse than that, users often choose to allow this custodial relationship over their property for extended periods of time before and after the trade. The Bitcoin of thousands of users is an extreme incentive for those centralized servers to be hacked or compromised by trusted insiders. History shows these incentives are too great: the loss of user bitcoin from centralized exchanges has happened and likely will happen again.

When we say private, we are referring to the users' ability to control access to their own information. Most centralized exchanges require users to divulge personally identifying information in order to set up an account, which in turn links users' trading activity to their respective identities. This practice creates extreme risks for users: their personal details and financial information will be stolen, leaked, or otherwise used against their own best interests.

When we say censorship-resistant, we are referring to freedom. That is the users' ability to voluntarily trade with one another without interference from a third party. Centralized Bitcoin exchanges are highly susceptible to such interference. By their nature, centrralized exchanes must operate within one legal jurisdiction or another. This single jurisdiction puts them at risk of being fined or shut down if they do not comply with the laws and other rules of that jurisdiction. Almost universally there is a legal requirements to collect personal information of the users under "Know Your Customer" (KYC) regulations. The applicable laws may include restrictions on who can trade and what can be traded.

Bisq was built to fulfill this mission: provide people an exchange mechanism where users keep control of funds, that is private by default, and that defends freedom of transaction.

{{Admonition_Note|If Bitcoin’s motto is "be your own bank," Bisq’s motto is "be your own exchange."}}

== How Bisq works ==

=== A typical transaction ===

Imagine you want to buy bitcoin (BTC) in exchange for Euros (EUR). In Bisq terminology, you are a ''buyer'' of BTC looking for a ''seller'' of BTC who will accept EUR as payment.

To complete a trade on Bisq, you would follow a series of steps similar to these:

# You download and run the Bisq application on your laptop or desktop computer
# You configure Bisq with your EUR payment method details (bank transfer, money order, etc)
# You browse Bisq’s offer book for existing offers to sell BTC for EUR
# You take an existing offer, agreeing to buy the seller’s BTC for your EUR
# You send EUR by the agreed upon method and indicate you have done so in Bisq
# You and the seller wait for your EUR payment to arrive
# The seller receives your EUR and confirms payment receipt in Bisq
# You receive your bitcoin from the seller and the trade is complete

For complete instructions on each of the steps above, see [https://bisq.network/getting-started/ Getting Started].

These steps can vary in a number of ways depending on whether you wish to buy or sell bitcoin, whether you are the ''maker'' or ''taker'' of an offer, and which payment methods you prefer to use.

Regardless, the steps above are quite different from those one would follow to complete a similar trade on a centralized exchange.

=== How trading with Bisq is different ===

Bisq is a desktop application and not a browser-based web application. When using this interface, the first difference experienced traders will notice is that there is '''no automatic order matching''' on the Bisq exchange. Bisq bitcoin buyers do not "buy at market price" or "buy at this limit." Instead Bisq bitcoin buyers accept specific Bisq bitcoin sell offers of a given amount of bitcoin, price, currency and settlement method. This approach enables truly peer-to-peer trade settlement, and ensures that users are in control of all terms of the trade.

Bisq is also unique among decentralized bitcoin exchanges in the way it coordinates '''out-of-band fiat payments'''. Bisq does not directly integrate with banks or other national currency payment systems in any way. Rather, Bisq’s trading protocol orchestrates the process of buyer and seller working together to settle fiat payments outside of the Bisq application, as demonstrated in steps 5-7 of the trading example above.

These and other differences result in a key trade-off for Bisq users: trade settlement takes longer. In exchange Bisq trading is far more secure, private and censorship-resistant for this lower speed an convenience.

=== How Bisq keeps funds secure ===
* Bisq is '''entirely non-custodial'''; users stay in control of fiat and cryptocurrency funds
* Trades include '''[[security deposit|security deposits]]''' from buyer and seller to prevent fraud
* The bitcoin for sale and bitcoin security deposits are locked in a '''2-of-2 multisig escrow'''
* Disputes are handled through a decentralized human '''[[dispute resolution]]''' system

=== How Bisq keeps data private ===
* Using Bisq requires '''no registration or centralized identity verification'''
* Every Bisq application is a '''Tor hidden service'''
* Bisq has no '''central servers or databases''' to record data
* '''Data is encrypted''' such that trade details are readable only by counterparties

=== How Bisq resists censorship ===
* Bisq’s network is a '''fully distributed P2P network''', and thus difficult to shut down
* Bisq’s network is '''built on top of Tor''', and thus inherits Tor’s own censorship resistance
* '''Bisq is code''', not a company; it is not incorporated, and thus cannot be disincorporated

Introduction

2021-08-23T00:20:10Z

Willygoldman: /* In a nutshell */ Slang will be unfamiliar to those that are not English as a first language.

Bisq is a decentralized bitcoin exchange network best understood in terms of its major attributes:

# Bisq is a cross-platform '''desktop application''' that allows anyone to buy and sell bitcoin in exchange for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies.
# Bisq is a '''trading protocol''' that enables individuals to exchange directly with one another over the internet, eliminating the need for trusted third party exchange services.
# Bisq is the '''peer-to-peer network''' formed by Bisq applications discovering, connecting to, and working with one another to implement the Bisq trading protocol. The Bisq network is fully peer-to-peer in that it requires no centrally-controlled servers and has no single points of failure.

Bisq is not a company—it is '''free/libre software''' released under version 3 of the GNU Affero General Public License. Bisq is built by individuals around the world who choose to work together. Bisq is used by individuals around the world who choose to trade with Bisq rather than any other other Bitcoin exchanges.

The project itself is organized as a [[decentralized autonomous organization]].

== Why Bisq exists ==

Bisq’s mission is to provide a '''secure''', '''private''' and '''censorship-resistant''' way of exchanging bitcoin for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies over the internet.

When we say secure, we are referring to the safety of the users' funds. Centralized exchanges take custody of the user's fiat and/or bitcoin during the trade. Worse than that, users often choose to allow this custodial relationship over their property for extended periods of time before and after the trade. The Bitcoin of thousands of users is an extreme incentive for those centralized servers to be hacked or compromised by trusted insiders. History shows these incentives are too great: the loss of user bitcoin from centralized exchanges has happened and likely will happen again.

When we say private, we are referring to the users' ability to control access to their own information. Most centralized exchanges require users to divulge personally identifying information in order to set up an account, which in turn links users' trading activity to their respective identities. This practice creates extreme risks for users: their personal details and financial information will be stolen, leaked, or otherwise used against their own best interests.

When we say censorship-resistant, we are referring to freedom. That is the users' ability to voluntarily trade with one another without interference from a third party. Centralized Bitcoin exchanges are highly susceptible to such interference. By their nature, centrralized exchanes must operate within one legal jurisdiction or another. This single jurisdiction puts them at risk of being fined or shut down if they do not comply with the laws and other rules of that jurisdiction. Almost universally there is a legal requirements to collect personal information of the users under "Know Your Customer" (KYC) regulations. The applicable laws may include restrictions on who can trade and what can be traded.

Bisq was built to fulfill this mission: provide people an exchange mechanism where users keep control of funds, that is private by default, and that defends freedom of transaction.

{{Admonition_Note|If Bitcoin’s motto is "be your own bank," Bisq’s motto is "be your own exchange."}}

== How Bisq works ==

=== A typical transaction ===

Imagine you want to buy bitcoin (BTC) in exchange for US dollars (USD). In Bisq terminology, you are a ''buyer'' of BTC looking for a ''seller'' of BTC who will accept USD as payment.

To complete a trade on Bisq, you would follow a series of steps similar to these:

# You download and run the Bisq application on your laptop or desktop computer
# You configure Bisq with your USD payment method details (bank transfer, money order, etc)
# You browse Bisq’s offer book for existing offers to sell BTC for USD
# You take an existing offer, agreeing to buy the seller’s BTC for your USD
# You send USD by the agreed upon method and indicate you have done so in Bisq
# You and the seller wait for your USD payment to arrive
# The seller receives your USD and confirms payment receipt in Bisq
# You receive your bitcoin from the seller and the trade is complete

For complete instructions on each of the steps above, see [https://bisq.network/getting-started/ Getting Started].

These steps can vary in a number of ways depending on whether you wish to buy or sell bitcoin, whether you are the ''maker'' or ''taker'' of an offer, and which payment methods you prefer to use.

Regardless, the steps above are quite different from those one would follow to complete a similar trade on a centralized exchange.

=== How trading with Bisq is different ===

Bisq is a desktop application and not a browser-based web application. When using this interface, the first difference experienced traders will notice is that there is '''no automatic order matching''' on the Bisq exchange. Bisq bitcoin buyers do not "buy at market price" or "buy at this limit." Instead Bisq bitcoin buyers accept specific Bisq bitcoin sell offers of a given amount of bitcoin, price, currency and settlement method. This approach enables truly peer-to-peer trade settlement, and ensures that users are in control of all terms of the trade.

Bisq is also unique among decentralized bitcoin exchanges in the way it coordinates '''out-of-band fiat payments'''. Bisq does not directly integrate with banks or other national currency payment systems in any way. Rather, Bisq’s trading protocol orchestrates the process of buyer and seller working together to settle fiat payments outside of the Bisq application, as demonstrated in steps 5-7 of the trading example above.

These and other differences result in a key trade-off for Bisq users: trade settlement takes longer. In exchange Bisq trading is far more secure, private and censorship-resistant for this lower speed an convenience.

=== How Bisq keeps funds secure ===
* Bisq is '''entirely non-custodial'''; users stay in control of fiat and cryptocurrency funds
* Trades include '''[[security deposit|security deposits]]''' from buyer and seller to prevent fraud
* The bitcoin for sale and bitcoin security deposits are locked in a '''2-of-2 multisig escrow'''
* Disputes are handled through a decentralized human '''[[dispute resolution]]''' system

=== How Bisq keeps data private ===
* Using Bisq requires '''no registration or centralized identity verification'''
* Every Bisq application is a '''Tor hidden service'''
* Bisq has no '''central servers or databases''' to record data
* '''Data is encrypted''' such that trade details are readable only by counterparties

=== How Bisq resists censorship ===
* Bisq’s network is a '''fully distributed P2P network''', and thus difficult to shut down
* Bisq’s network is '''built on top of Tor''', and thus inherits Tor’s own censorship resistance
* '''Bisq is code''', not a company; it is not incorporated, and thus cannot be disincorporated

Introduction

2021-08-23T00:19:15Z

Willygoldman: /* How Bisq resists censorship */

Bisq is a decentralized bitcoin exchange network best understood in terms of its major attributes:

# Bisq is a cross-platform '''desktop application''' that allows anyone to buy and sell bitcoin in exchange for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies.
# Bisq is a '''trading protocol''' that enables individuals to exchange directly with one another over the internet, eliminating the need for trusted third party exchange services.
# Bisq is the '''peer-to-peer network''' formed by Bisq applications discovering, connecting to, and working with one another to implement the Bisq trading protocol. The Bisq network is fully peer-to-peer in that it requires no centrally-controlled servers and has no single points of failure.

Bisq is not a company—it is '''free/libre software''' released under version 3 of the GNU Affero General Public License. Bisq is built by individuals around the world who choose to work together. Bisq is used by individuals around the world who choose to trade with Bisq rather than any other other Bitcoin exchanges.

The project itself is organized as a [[decentralized autonomous organization]].

== Why Bisq exists ==

Bisq’s mission is to provide a '''secure''', '''private''' and '''censorship-resistant''' way of exchanging bitcoin for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies over the internet.

When we say secure, we are referring to the safety of the users' funds. Centralized exchanges take custody of the user's fiat and/or bitcoin during the trade. Worse than that, users often choose to allow this custodial relationship over their property for extended periods of time before and after the trade. The Bitcoin of thousands of users is an extreme incentive for those centralized servers to be hacked or compromised by trusted insiders. History shows these incentives are too great: the loss of user bitcoin from centralized exchanges has happened and likely will happen again.

When we say private, we are referring to the users' ability to control access to their own information. Most centralized exchanges require users to divulge personally identifying information in order to set up an account, which in turn links users' trading activity to their respective identities. This practice creates extreme risks for users: their personal details and financial information will be stolen, leaked, or otherwise used against their own best interests.

When we say censorship-resistant, we are referring to freedom. That is the users' ability to voluntarily trade with one another without interference from a third party. Centralized Bitcoin exchanges are highly susceptible to such interference. By their nature, centrralized exchanes must operate within one legal jurisdiction or another. This single jurisdiction puts them at risk of being fined or shut down if they do not comply with the laws and other rules of that jurisdiction. Almost universally there is a legal requirements to collect personal information of the users under "Know Your Customer" (KYC) regulations. The applicable laws may include restrictions on who can trade and what can be traded.

Bisq was built to fulfill this mission: provide people an exchange mechanism where users keep control of funds, that is private by default, and that defends freedom of transaction.

{{Admonition_Note|If Bitcoin’s motto is "be your own bank," Bisq’s motto is "be your own exchange."}}

== How Bisq works ==

=== In a nutshell ===

Imagine you want to buy bitcoin (BTC) in exchange for US dollars (USD). In Bisq terminology, you are a ''buyer'' of BTC looking for a ''seller'' of BTC who will accept USD as payment.

To complete a trade on Bisq, you would follow a series of steps similar to these:

# You download and run the Bisq application on your laptop or desktop computer
# You configure Bisq with your USD payment method details (bank transfer, money order, etc)
# You browse Bisq’s offer book for existing offers to sell BTC for USD
# You take an existing offer, agreeing to buy the seller’s BTC for your USD
# You send USD by the agreed upon method and indicate you have done so in Bisq
# You and the seller wait for your USD payment to arrive
# The seller receives your USD and confirms payment receipt in Bisq
# You receive your bitcoin from the seller and the trade is complete

For complete instructions on each of the steps above, see [https://bisq.network/getting-started/ Getting Started].

These steps can vary in a number of ways depending on whether you wish to buy or sell bitcoin, whether you are the ''maker'' or ''taker'' of an offer, and which payment methods you prefer to use.

Regardless, the steps above are quite different from those one would follow to complete a similar trade on a centralized exchange.

=== How trading with Bisq is different ===

Bisq is a desktop application and not a browser-based web application. When using this interface, the first difference experienced traders will notice is that there is '''no automatic order matching''' on the Bisq exchange. Bisq bitcoin buyers do not "buy at market price" or "buy at this limit." Instead Bisq bitcoin buyers accept specific Bisq bitcoin sell offers of a given amount of bitcoin, price, currency and settlement method. This approach enables truly peer-to-peer trade settlement, and ensures that users are in control of all terms of the trade.

Bisq is also unique among decentralized bitcoin exchanges in the way it coordinates '''out-of-band fiat payments'''. Bisq does not directly integrate with banks or other national currency payment systems in any way. Rather, Bisq’s trading protocol orchestrates the process of buyer and seller working together to settle fiat payments outside of the Bisq application, as demonstrated in steps 5-7 of the trading example above.

These and other differences result in a key trade-off for Bisq users: trade settlement takes longer. In exchange Bisq trading is far more secure, private and censorship-resistant for this lower speed an convenience.

=== How Bisq keeps funds secure ===
* Bisq is '''entirely non-custodial'''; users stay in control of fiat and cryptocurrency funds
* Trades include '''[[security deposit|security deposits]]''' from buyer and seller to prevent fraud
* The bitcoin for sale and bitcoin security deposits are locked in a '''2-of-2 multisig escrow'''
* Disputes are handled through a decentralized human '''[[dispute resolution]]''' system

=== How Bisq keeps data private ===
* Using Bisq requires '''no registration or centralized identity verification'''
* Every Bisq application is a '''Tor hidden service'''
* Bisq has no '''central servers or databases''' to record data
* '''Data is encrypted''' such that trade details are readable only by counterparties

=== How Bisq resists censorship ===
* Bisq’s network is a '''fully distributed P2P network''', and thus difficult to shut down
* Bisq’s network is '''built on top of Tor''', and thus inherits Tor’s own censorship resistance
* '''Bisq is code''', not a company; it is not incorporated, and thus cannot be disincorporated

Introduction

2021-08-23T00:17:57Z

Willygoldman: /* How Bisq keeps funds secure */ emphasis was extended betond hyperlink

Bisq is a decentralized bitcoin exchange network best understood in terms of its major attributes:

# Bisq is a cross-platform '''desktop application''' that allows anyone to buy and sell bitcoin in exchange for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies.
# Bisq is a '''trading protocol''' that enables individuals to exchange directly with one another over the internet, eliminating the need for trusted third party exchange services.
# Bisq is the '''peer-to-peer network''' formed by Bisq applications discovering, connecting to, and working with one another to implement the Bisq trading protocol. The Bisq network is fully peer-to-peer in that it requires no centrally-controlled servers and has no single points of failure.

Bisq is not a company—it is '''free/libre software''' released under version 3 of the GNU Affero General Public License. Bisq is built by individuals around the world who choose to work together. Bisq is used by individuals around the world who choose to trade with Bisq rather than any other other Bitcoin exchanges.

The project itself is organized as a [[decentralized autonomous organization]].

== Why Bisq exists ==

Bisq’s mission is to provide a '''secure''', '''private''' and '''censorship-resistant''' way of exchanging bitcoin for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies over the internet.

When we say secure, we are referring to the safety of the users' funds. Centralized exchanges take custody of the user's fiat and/or bitcoin during the trade. Worse than that, users often choose to allow this custodial relationship over their property for extended periods of time before and after the trade. The Bitcoin of thousands of users is an extreme incentive for those centralized servers to be hacked or compromised by trusted insiders. History shows these incentives are too great: the loss of user bitcoin from centralized exchanges has happened and likely will happen again.

When we say private, we are referring to the users' ability to control access to their own information. Most centralized exchanges require users to divulge personally identifying information in order to set up an account, which in turn links users' trading activity to their respective identities. This practice creates extreme risks for users: their personal details and financial information will be stolen, leaked, or otherwise used against their own best interests.

When we say censorship-resistant, we are referring to freedom. That is the users' ability to voluntarily trade with one another without interference from a third party. Centralized Bitcoin exchanges are highly susceptible to such interference. By their nature, centrralized exchanes must operate within one legal jurisdiction or another. This single jurisdiction puts them at risk of being fined or shut down if they do not comply with the laws and other rules of that jurisdiction. Almost universally there is a legal requirements to collect personal information of the users under "Know Your Customer" (KYC) regulations. The applicable laws may include restrictions on who can trade and what can be traded.

Bisq was built to fulfill this mission: provide people an exchange mechanism where users keep control of funds, that is private by default, and that defends freedom of transaction.

{{Admonition_Note|If Bitcoin’s motto is "be your own bank," Bisq’s motto is "be your own exchange."}}

== How Bisq works ==

=== In a nutshell ===

Imagine you want to buy bitcoin (BTC) in exchange for US dollars (USD). In Bisq terminology, you are a ''buyer'' of BTC looking for a ''seller'' of BTC who will accept USD as payment.

To complete a trade on Bisq, you would follow a series of steps similar to these:

# You download and run the Bisq application on your laptop or desktop computer
# You configure Bisq with your USD payment method details (bank transfer, money order, etc)
# You browse Bisq’s offer book for existing offers to sell BTC for USD
# You take an existing offer, agreeing to buy the seller’s BTC for your USD
# You send USD by the agreed upon method and indicate you have done so in Bisq
# You and the seller wait for your USD payment to arrive
# The seller receives your USD and confirms payment receipt in Bisq
# You receive your bitcoin from the seller and the trade is complete

For complete instructions on each of the steps above, see [https://bisq.network/getting-started/ Getting Started].

These steps can vary in a number of ways depending on whether you wish to buy or sell bitcoin, whether you are the ''maker'' or ''taker'' of an offer, and which payment methods you prefer to use.

Regardless, the steps above are quite different from those one would follow to complete a similar trade on a centralized exchange.

=== How trading with Bisq is different ===

Bisq is a desktop application and not a browser-based web application. When using this interface, the first difference experienced traders will notice is that there is '''no automatic order matching''' on the Bisq exchange. Bisq bitcoin buyers do not "buy at market price" or "buy at this limit." Instead Bisq bitcoin buyers accept specific Bisq bitcoin sell offers of a given amount of bitcoin, price, currency and settlement method. This approach enables truly peer-to-peer trade settlement, and ensures that users are in control of all terms of the trade.

Bisq is also unique among decentralized bitcoin exchanges in the way it coordinates '''out-of-band fiat payments'''. Bisq does not directly integrate with banks or other national currency payment systems in any way. Rather, Bisq’s trading protocol orchestrates the process of buyer and seller working together to settle fiat payments outside of the Bisq application, as demonstrated in steps 5-7 of the trading example above.

These and other differences result in a key trade-off for Bisq users: trade settlement takes longer. In exchange Bisq trading is far more secure, private and censorship-resistant for this lower speed an convenience.

=== How Bisq keeps funds secure ===
* Bisq is '''entirely non-custodial'''; users stay in control of fiat and cryptocurrency funds
* Trades include '''[[security deposit|security deposits]]''' from buyer and seller to prevent fraud
* The bitcoin for sale and bitcoin security deposits are locked in a '''2-of-2 multisig escrow'''
* Disputes are handled through a decentralized human '''[[dispute resolution]]''' system

=== How Bisq keeps data private ===
* Using Bisq requires '''no registration or centralized identity verification'''
* Every Bisq application is a '''Tor hidden service'''
* Bisq has no '''central servers or databases''' to record data
* '''Data is encrypted''' such that trade details are readable only by counterparties

=== How Bisq resists censorship ===
* Bisq’s network is a '''fully distributed P2P network''', and thus difficult to shut down
* Bisq’s network is '''built on top of Tor''', and thus inherits Tor’s own censorship resistance
* '''Bisq is code''', not a company; it is not incorporated, and it cannot be disincorporated

Introduction

2021-08-23T00:17:14Z

Willygoldman: /* How Bisq keeps funds secure */ clarified that it is the bitcoin that is locked up in escrow

Bisq is a decentralized bitcoin exchange network best understood in terms of its major attributes:

# Bisq is a cross-platform '''desktop application''' that allows anyone to buy and sell bitcoin in exchange for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies.
# Bisq is a '''trading protocol''' that enables individuals to exchange directly with one another over the internet, eliminating the need for trusted third party exchange services.
# Bisq is the '''peer-to-peer network''' formed by Bisq applications discovering, connecting to, and working with one another to implement the Bisq trading protocol. The Bisq network is fully peer-to-peer in that it requires no centrally-controlled servers and has no single points of failure.

Bisq is not a company—it is '''free/libre software''' released under version 3 of the GNU Affero General Public License. Bisq is built by individuals around the world who choose to work together. Bisq is used by individuals around the world who choose to trade with Bisq rather than any other other Bitcoin exchanges.

The project itself is organized as a [[decentralized autonomous organization]].

== Why Bisq exists ==

Bisq’s mission is to provide a '''secure''', '''private''' and '''censorship-resistant''' way of exchanging bitcoin for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies over the internet.

When we say secure, we are referring to the safety of the users' funds. Centralized exchanges take custody of the user's fiat and/or bitcoin during the trade. Worse than that, users often choose to allow this custodial relationship over their property for extended periods of time before and after the trade. The Bitcoin of thousands of users is an extreme incentive for those centralized servers to be hacked or compromised by trusted insiders. History shows these incentives are too great: the loss of user bitcoin from centralized exchanges has happened and likely will happen again.

When we say private, we are referring to the users' ability to control access to their own information. Most centralized exchanges require users to divulge personally identifying information in order to set up an account, which in turn links users' trading activity to their respective identities. This practice creates extreme risks for users: their personal details and financial information will be stolen, leaked, or otherwise used against their own best interests.

When we say censorship-resistant, we are referring to freedom. That is the users' ability to voluntarily trade with one another without interference from a third party. Centralized Bitcoin exchanges are highly susceptible to such interference. By their nature, centrralized exchanes must operate within one legal jurisdiction or another. This single jurisdiction puts them at risk of being fined or shut down if they do not comply with the laws and other rules of that jurisdiction. Almost universally there is a legal requirements to collect personal information of the users under "Know Your Customer" (KYC) regulations. The applicable laws may include restrictions on who can trade and what can be traded.

Bisq was built to fulfill this mission: provide people an exchange mechanism where users keep control of funds, that is private by default, and that defends freedom of transaction.

{{Admonition_Note|If Bitcoin’s motto is "be your own bank," Bisq’s motto is "be your own exchange."}}

== How Bisq works ==

=== In a nutshell ===

Imagine you want to buy bitcoin (BTC) in exchange for US dollars (USD). In Bisq terminology, you are a ''buyer'' of BTC looking for a ''seller'' of BTC who will accept USD as payment.

To complete a trade on Bisq, you would follow a series of steps similar to these:

# You download and run the Bisq application on your laptop or desktop computer
# You configure Bisq with your USD payment method details (bank transfer, money order, etc)
# You browse Bisq’s offer book for existing offers to sell BTC for USD
# You take an existing offer, agreeing to buy the seller’s BTC for your USD
# You send USD by the agreed upon method and indicate you have done so in Bisq
# You and the seller wait for your USD payment to arrive
# The seller receives your USD and confirms payment receipt in Bisq
# You receive your bitcoin from the seller and the trade is complete

For complete instructions on each of the steps above, see [https://bisq.network/getting-started/ Getting Started].

These steps can vary in a number of ways depending on whether you wish to buy or sell bitcoin, whether you are the ''maker'' or ''taker'' of an offer, and which payment methods you prefer to use.

Regardless, the steps above are quite different from those one would follow to complete a similar trade on a centralized exchange.

=== How trading with Bisq is different ===

Bisq is a desktop application and not a browser-based web application. When using this interface, the first difference experienced traders will notice is that there is '''no automatic order matching''' on the Bisq exchange. Bisq bitcoin buyers do not "buy at market price" or "buy at this limit." Instead Bisq bitcoin buyers accept specific Bisq bitcoin sell offers of a given amount of bitcoin, price, currency and settlement method. This approach enables truly peer-to-peer trade settlement, and ensures that users are in control of all terms of the trade.

Bisq is also unique among decentralized bitcoin exchanges in the way it coordinates '''out-of-band fiat payments'''. Bisq does not directly integrate with banks or other national currency payment systems in any way. Rather, Bisq’s trading protocol orchestrates the process of buyer and seller working together to settle fiat payments outside of the Bisq application, as demonstrated in steps 5-7 of the trading example above.

These and other differences result in a key trade-off for Bisq users: trade settlement takes longer. In exchange Bisq trading is far more secure, private and censorship-resistant for this lower speed an convenience.

=== How Bisq keeps funds secure ===
* Bisq is '''entirely non-custodial'''; users stay in control of fiat and cryptocurrency funds
* Trades include '''[[security deposit|security deposits]]''' from buyer and seller to prevent fraud
* The bitcoin for sale and bitcoin security deposits are locked in a '''2-of-2 multisig escrow'''
* Disputes are handled through a decentralized human '''[[dispute resolution]] system'''

=== How Bisq keeps data private ===
* Using Bisq requires '''no registration or centralized identity verification'''
* Every Bisq application is a '''Tor hidden service'''
* Bisq has no '''central servers or databases''' to record data
* '''Data is encrypted''' such that trade details are readable only by counterparties

=== How Bisq resists censorship ===
* Bisq’s network is a '''fully distributed P2P network''', and thus difficult to shut down
* Bisq’s network is '''built on top of Tor''', and thus inherits Tor’s own censorship resistance
* '''Bisq is code''', not a company; it is not incorporated, and it cannot be disincorporated

Introduction

2021-08-23T00:15:21Z

Willygoldman: /* How trading with Bisq is different */

Bisq is a decentralized bitcoin exchange network best understood in terms of its major attributes:

# Bisq is a cross-platform '''desktop application''' that allows anyone to buy and sell bitcoin in exchange for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies.
# Bisq is a '''trading protocol''' that enables individuals to exchange directly with one another over the internet, eliminating the need for trusted third party exchange services.
# Bisq is the '''peer-to-peer network''' formed by Bisq applications discovering, connecting to, and working with one another to implement the Bisq trading protocol. The Bisq network is fully peer-to-peer in that it requires no centrally-controlled servers and has no single points of failure.

Bisq is not a company—it is '''free/libre software''' released under version 3 of the GNU Affero General Public License. Bisq is built by individuals around the world who choose to work together. Bisq is used by individuals around the world who choose to trade with Bisq rather than any other other Bitcoin exchanges.

The project itself is organized as a [[decentralized autonomous organization]].

== Why Bisq exists ==

Bisq’s mission is to provide a '''secure''', '''private''' and '''censorship-resistant''' way of exchanging bitcoin for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies over the internet.

When we say secure, we are referring to the safety of the users' funds. Centralized exchanges take custody of the user's fiat and/or bitcoin during the trade. Worse than that, users often choose to allow this custodial relationship over their property for extended periods of time before and after the trade. The Bitcoin of thousands of users is an extreme incentive for those centralized servers to be hacked or compromised by trusted insiders. History shows these incentives are too great: the loss of user bitcoin from centralized exchanges has happened and likely will happen again.

When we say private, we are referring to the users' ability to control access to their own information. Most centralized exchanges require users to divulge personally identifying information in order to set up an account, which in turn links users' trading activity to their respective identities. This practice creates extreme risks for users: their personal details and financial information will be stolen, leaked, or otherwise used against their own best interests.

When we say censorship-resistant, we are referring to freedom. That is the users' ability to voluntarily trade with one another without interference from a third party. Centralized Bitcoin exchanges are highly susceptible to such interference. By their nature, centrralized exchanes must operate within one legal jurisdiction or another. This single jurisdiction puts them at risk of being fined or shut down if they do not comply with the laws and other rules of that jurisdiction. Almost universally there is a legal requirements to collect personal information of the users under "Know Your Customer" (KYC) regulations. The applicable laws may include restrictions on who can trade and what can be traded.

Bisq was built to fulfill this mission: provide people an exchange mechanism where users keep control of funds, that is private by default, and that defends freedom of transaction.

{{Admonition_Note|If Bitcoin’s motto is "be your own bank," Bisq’s motto is "be your own exchange."}}

== How Bisq works ==

=== In a nutshell ===

Imagine you want to buy bitcoin (BTC) in exchange for US dollars (USD). In Bisq terminology, you are a ''buyer'' of BTC looking for a ''seller'' of BTC who will accept USD as payment.

To complete a trade on Bisq, you would follow a series of steps similar to these:

# You download and run the Bisq application on your laptop or desktop computer
# You configure Bisq with your USD payment method details (bank transfer, money order, etc)
# You browse Bisq’s offer book for existing offers to sell BTC for USD
# You take an existing offer, agreeing to buy the seller’s BTC for your USD
# You send USD by the agreed upon method and indicate you have done so in Bisq
# You and the seller wait for your USD payment to arrive
# The seller receives your USD and confirms payment receipt in Bisq
# You receive your bitcoin from the seller and the trade is complete

For complete instructions on each of the steps above, see [https://bisq.network/getting-started/ Getting Started].

These steps can vary in a number of ways depending on whether you wish to buy or sell bitcoin, whether you are the ''maker'' or ''taker'' of an offer, and which payment methods you prefer to use.

Regardless, the steps above are quite different from those one would follow to complete a similar trade on a centralized exchange.

=== How trading with Bisq is different ===

Bisq is a desktop application and not a browser-based web application. When using this interface, the first difference experienced traders will notice is that there is '''no automatic order matching''' on the Bisq exchange. Bisq bitcoin buyers do not "buy at market price" or "buy at this limit." Instead Bisq bitcoin buyers accept specific Bisq bitcoin sell offers of a given amount of bitcoin, price, currency and settlement method. This approach enables truly peer-to-peer trade settlement, and ensures that users are in control of all terms of the trade.

Bisq is also unique among decentralized bitcoin exchanges in the way it coordinates '''out-of-band fiat payments'''. Bisq does not directly integrate with banks or other national currency payment systems in any way. Rather, Bisq’s trading protocol orchestrates the process of buyer and seller working together to settle fiat payments outside of the Bisq application, as demonstrated in steps 5-7 of the trading example above.

These and other differences result in a key trade-off for Bisq users: trade settlement takes longer. In exchange Bisq trading is far more secure, private and censorship-resistant for this lower speed an convenience.

=== How Bisq keeps funds secure ===
* Bisq is '''entirely non-custodial'''; users stay in control of fiat and cryptocurrency funds
* Trades include '''[[security deposit|security deposits]]''' from buyer and seller to prevent fraud
* Trading funds and security deposits are locked in a '''2-of-2 multisig escrow'''
* Disputes are handled through a decentralized human '''[[dispute resolution]] system'''

=== How Bisq keeps data private ===
* Using Bisq requires '''no registration or centralized identity verification'''
* Every Bisq application is a '''Tor hidden service'''
* Bisq has no '''central servers or databases''' to record data
* '''Data is encrypted''' such that trade details are readable only by counterparties

=== How Bisq resists censorship ===
* Bisq’s network is a '''fully distributed P2P network''', and thus difficult to shut down
* Bisq’s network is '''built on top of Tor''', and thus inherits Tor’s own censorship resistance
* '''Bisq is code''', not a company; it is not incorporated, and it cannot be disincorporated

Introduction

2021-08-23T00:14:46Z

Willygoldman: /* How trading with Bisq is different */

Bisq is a decentralized bitcoin exchange network best understood in terms of its major attributes:

# Bisq is a cross-platform '''desktop application''' that allows anyone to buy and sell bitcoin in exchange for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies.
# Bisq is a '''trading protocol''' that enables individuals to exchange directly with one another over the internet, eliminating the need for trusted third party exchange services.
# Bisq is the '''peer-to-peer network''' formed by Bisq applications discovering, connecting to, and working with one another to implement the Bisq trading protocol. The Bisq network is fully peer-to-peer in that it requires no centrally-controlled servers and has no single points of failure.

Bisq is not a company—it is '''free/libre software''' released under version 3 of the GNU Affero General Public License. Bisq is built by individuals around the world who choose to work together. Bisq is used by individuals around the world who choose to trade with Bisq rather than any other other Bitcoin exchanges.

The project itself is organized as a [[decentralized autonomous organization]].

== Why Bisq exists ==

Bisq’s mission is to provide a '''secure''', '''private''' and '''censorship-resistant''' way of exchanging bitcoin for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies over the internet.

When we say secure, we are referring to the safety of the users' funds. Centralized exchanges take custody of the user's fiat and/or bitcoin during the trade. Worse than that, users often choose to allow this custodial relationship over their property for extended periods of time before and after the trade. The Bitcoin of thousands of users is an extreme incentive for those centralized servers to be hacked or compromised by trusted insiders. History shows these incentives are too great: the loss of user bitcoin from centralized exchanges has happened and likely will happen again.

When we say private, we are referring to the users' ability to control access to their own information. Most centralized exchanges require users to divulge personally identifying information in order to set up an account, which in turn links users' trading activity to their respective identities. This practice creates extreme risks for users: their personal details and financial information will be stolen, leaked, or otherwise used against their own best interests.

When we say censorship-resistant, we are referring to freedom. That is the users' ability to voluntarily trade with one another without interference from a third party. Centralized Bitcoin exchanges are highly susceptible to such interference. By their nature, centrralized exchanes must operate within one legal jurisdiction or another. This single jurisdiction puts them at risk of being fined or shut down if they do not comply with the laws and other rules of that jurisdiction. Almost universally there is a legal requirements to collect personal information of the users under "Know Your Customer" (KYC) regulations. The applicable laws may include restrictions on who can trade and what can be traded.

Bisq was built to fulfill this mission: provide people an exchange mechanism where users keep control of funds, that is private by default, and that defends freedom of transaction.

{{Admonition_Note|If Bitcoin’s motto is "be your own bank," Bisq’s motto is "be your own exchange."}}

== How Bisq works ==

=== In a nutshell ===

Imagine you want to buy bitcoin (BTC) in exchange for US dollars (USD). In Bisq terminology, you are a ''buyer'' of BTC looking for a ''seller'' of BTC who will accept USD as payment.

To complete a trade on Bisq, you would follow a series of steps similar to these:

# You download and run the Bisq application on your laptop or desktop computer
# You configure Bisq with your USD payment method details (bank transfer, money order, etc)
# You browse Bisq’s offer book for existing offers to sell BTC for USD
# You take an existing offer, agreeing to buy the seller’s BTC for your USD
# You send USD by the agreed upon method and indicate you have done so in Bisq
# You and the seller wait for your USD payment to arrive
# The seller receives your USD and confirms payment receipt in Bisq
# You receive your bitcoin from the seller and the trade is complete

For complete instructions on each of the steps above, see [https://bisq.network/getting-started/ Getting Started].

These steps can vary in a number of ways depending on whether you wish to buy or sell bitcoin, whether you are the ''maker'' or ''taker'' of an offer, and which payment methods you prefer to use.

Regardless, the steps above are quite different from those one would follow to complete a similar trade on a centralized exchange.

=== How trading with Bisq is different ===

Bisq is a desktop application and not a browser-based web application. When using this interface, the first difference experienced traders will notice is that there is '''no automatic order matching''' on the Bisq exchange. Bisq bitcoin buyers do not "buy at market price" or "buy at this limit." Instead Bisq bitcoin buyers accept specific Bisq bitcoin sell offers of a given amount of bitcoin, price, currency and settlement method. This approach enables truly peer-to-peer trade settlement, and ensures that users are in control of all terms of the trade.

Bisq is also unique among decentralized bitcoin exchanges in the way it coordinates '''out-of-band fiat payments'''. Bisq does not directly integrate with banks or other national currency payment systems in any way. Rather, Bisq’s trading protocol orchestrates the process of buyer and seller working together to settle fiat payments outside of the Bisq application, as demonstrated in steps 5-7 of the trading example above.

These and other differences result in a key trade-off for Bisq users: trade settlement takes longer. In exchange Bisq trading is far more secure, private and censorship-resistant in exchange for this lower speed an convenience.

=== How Bisq keeps funds secure ===
* Bisq is '''entirely non-custodial'''; users stay in control of fiat and cryptocurrency funds
* Trades include '''[[security deposit|security deposits]]''' from buyer and seller to prevent fraud
* Trading funds and security deposits are locked in a '''2-of-2 multisig escrow'''
* Disputes are handled through a decentralized human '''[[dispute resolution]] system'''

=== How Bisq keeps data private ===
* Using Bisq requires '''no registration or centralized identity verification'''
* Every Bisq application is a '''Tor hidden service'''
* Bisq has no '''central servers or databases''' to record data
* '''Data is encrypted''' such that trade details are readable only by counterparties

=== How Bisq resists censorship ===
* Bisq’s network is a '''fully distributed P2P network''', and thus difficult to shut down
* Bisq’s network is '''built on top of Tor''', and thus inherits Tor’s own censorship resistance
* '''Bisq is code''', not a company; it is not incorporated, and it cannot be disincorporated

Introduction

2021-08-23T00:13:06Z

Willygoldman: /* How trading with Bisq is different */

Bisq is a decentralized bitcoin exchange network best understood in terms of its major attributes:

# Bisq is a cross-platform '''desktop application''' that allows anyone to buy and sell bitcoin in exchange for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies.
# Bisq is a '''trading protocol''' that enables individuals to exchange directly with one another over the internet, eliminating the need for trusted third party exchange services.
# Bisq is the '''peer-to-peer network''' formed by Bisq applications discovering, connecting to, and working with one another to implement the Bisq trading protocol. The Bisq network is fully peer-to-peer in that it requires no centrally-controlled servers and has no single points of failure.

Bisq is not a company—it is '''free/libre software''' released under version 3 of the GNU Affero General Public License. Bisq is built by individuals around the world who choose to work together. Bisq is used by individuals around the world who choose to trade with Bisq rather than any other other Bitcoin exchanges.

The project itself is organized as a [[decentralized autonomous organization]].

== Why Bisq exists ==

Bisq’s mission is to provide a '''secure''', '''private''' and '''censorship-resistant''' way of exchanging bitcoin for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies over the internet.

When we say secure, we are referring to the safety of the users' funds. Centralized exchanges take custody of the user's fiat and/or bitcoin during the trade. Worse than that, users often choose to allow this custodial relationship over their property for extended periods of time before and after the trade. The Bitcoin of thousands of users is an extreme incentive for those centralized servers to be hacked or compromised by trusted insiders. History shows these incentives are too great: the loss of user bitcoin from centralized exchanges has happened and likely will happen again.

When we say private, we are referring to the users' ability to control access to their own information. Most centralized exchanges require users to divulge personally identifying information in order to set up an account, which in turn links users' trading activity to their respective identities. This practice creates extreme risks for users: their personal details and financial information will be stolen, leaked, or otherwise used against their own best interests.

When we say censorship-resistant, we are referring to freedom. That is the users' ability to voluntarily trade with one another without interference from a third party. Centralized Bitcoin exchanges are highly susceptible to such interference. By their nature, centrralized exchanes must operate within one legal jurisdiction or another. This single jurisdiction puts them at risk of being fined or shut down if they do not comply with the laws and other rules of that jurisdiction. Almost universally there is a legal requirements to collect personal information of the users under "Know Your Customer" (KYC) regulations. The applicable laws may include restrictions on who can trade and what can be traded.

Bisq was built to fulfill this mission: provide people an exchange mechanism where users keep control of funds, that is private by default, and that defends freedom of transaction.

{{Admonition_Note|If Bitcoin’s motto is "be your own bank," Bisq’s motto is "be your own exchange."}}

== How Bisq works ==

=== In a nutshell ===

Imagine you want to buy bitcoin (BTC) in exchange for US dollars (USD). In Bisq terminology, you are a ''buyer'' of BTC looking for a ''seller'' of BTC who will accept USD as payment.

To complete a trade on Bisq, you would follow a series of steps similar to these:

# You download and run the Bisq application on your laptop or desktop computer
# You configure Bisq with your USD payment method details (bank transfer, money order, etc)
# You browse Bisq’s offer book for existing offers to sell BTC for USD
# You take an existing offer, agreeing to buy the seller’s BTC for your USD
# You send USD by the agreed upon method and indicate you have done so in Bisq
# You and the seller wait for your USD payment to arrive
# The seller receives your USD and confirms payment receipt in Bisq
# You receive your bitcoin from the seller and the trade is complete

For complete instructions on each of the steps above, see [https://bisq.network/getting-started/ Getting Started].

These steps can vary in a number of ways depending on whether you wish to buy or sell bitcoin, whether you are the ''maker'' or ''taker'' of an offer, and which payment methods you prefer to use.

Regardless, the steps above are quite different from those one would follow to complete a similar trade on a centralized exchange.

=== How trading with Bisq is different ===

Bisq is a desktop application and not a browser-based web application. When using this interface, the first difference experienced traders will notice is that there is '''no automatic order matching''' on the Bisq exchange. Bisq bitcoin buyers do not "buy at market price" or "buy at this limit." Instead Bisq bitcoin buyers accept specific Bisq bitcoin sell offers of a given amount of bitcoin, price, currency and settlement method. This approach enables truly peer-to-peer trade settlement, and ensures that users are in control of all terms of the trade.

Bisq is also unique among decentralized bitcoin exchanges in the way it coordinates '''out-of-band fiat payments'''. Bisq does not directly integrate with banks or other national currency payment systems in any way. Rather, Bisq’s trading protocol orchestrates the process of buyer and seller working together to settle fiat payments outside of the Bisq application, as demonstrated in steps 5-7 of the trading example above.

These and other differences result in a key trade-off for Bisq users: trade settlement takes longer. Bisq trading is far more secure, private and censorship-resistant in exchange for this lower speed an convenience.

=== How Bisq keeps funds secure ===
* Bisq is '''entirely non-custodial'''; users stay in control of fiat and cryptocurrency funds
* Trades include '''[[security deposit|security deposits]]''' from buyer and seller to prevent fraud
* Trading funds and security deposits are locked in a '''2-of-2 multisig escrow'''
* Disputes are handled through a decentralized human '''[[dispute resolution]] system'''

=== How Bisq keeps data private ===
* Using Bisq requires '''no registration or centralized identity verification'''
* Every Bisq application is a '''Tor hidden service'''
* Bisq has no '''central servers or databases''' to record data
* '''Data is encrypted''' such that trade details are readable only by counterparties

=== How Bisq resists censorship ===
* Bisq’s network is a '''fully distributed P2P network''', and thus difficult to shut down
* Bisq’s network is '''built on top of Tor''', and thus inherits Tor’s own censorship resistance
* '''Bisq is code''', not a company; it is not incorporated, and it cannot be disincorporated

Introduction

2021-08-23T00:12:08Z

Willygoldman: /* How trading with Bisq is different */ Explained automatic order matching and highlighted the control is over amount, currency and settlment method. Those are mor important than the prior emphasis on "who" they trade with.

Bisq is a decentralized bitcoin exchange network best understood in terms of its major attributes:

# Bisq is a cross-platform '''desktop application''' that allows anyone to buy and sell bitcoin in exchange for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies.
# Bisq is a '''trading protocol''' that enables individuals to exchange directly with one another over the internet, eliminating the need for trusted third party exchange services.
# Bisq is the '''peer-to-peer network''' formed by Bisq applications discovering, connecting to, and working with one another to implement the Bisq trading protocol. The Bisq network is fully peer-to-peer in that it requires no centrally-controlled servers and has no single points of failure.

Bisq is not a company—it is '''free/libre software''' released under version 3 of the GNU Affero General Public License. Bisq is built by individuals around the world who choose to work together. Bisq is used by individuals around the world who choose to trade with Bisq rather than any other other Bitcoin exchanges.

The project itself is organized as a [[decentralized autonomous organization]].

== Why Bisq exists ==

Bisq’s mission is to provide a '''secure''', '''private''' and '''censorship-resistant''' way of exchanging bitcoin for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies over the internet.

When we say secure, we are referring to the safety of the users' funds. Centralized exchanges take custody of the user's fiat and/or bitcoin during the trade. Worse than that, users often choose to allow this custodial relationship over their property for extended periods of time before and after the trade. The Bitcoin of thousands of users is an extreme incentive for those centralized servers to be hacked or compromised by trusted insiders. History shows these incentives are too great: the loss of user bitcoin from centralized exchanges has happened and likely will happen again.

When we say private, we are referring to the users' ability to control access to their own information. Most centralized exchanges require users to divulge personally identifying information in order to set up an account, which in turn links users' trading activity to their respective identities. This practice creates extreme risks for users: their personal details and financial information will be stolen, leaked, or otherwise used against their own best interests.

When we say censorship-resistant, we are referring to freedom. That is the users' ability to voluntarily trade with one another without interference from a third party. Centralized Bitcoin exchanges are highly susceptible to such interference. By their nature, centrralized exchanes must operate within one legal jurisdiction or another. This single jurisdiction puts them at risk of being fined or shut down if they do not comply with the laws and other rules of that jurisdiction. Almost universally there is a legal requirements to collect personal information of the users under "Know Your Customer" (KYC) regulations. The applicable laws may include restrictions on who can trade and what can be traded.

Bisq was built to fulfill this mission: provide people an exchange mechanism where users keep control of funds, that is private by default, and that defends freedom of transaction.

{{Admonition_Note|If Bitcoin’s motto is "be your own bank," Bisq’s motto is "be your own exchange."}}

== How Bisq works ==

=== In a nutshell ===

Imagine you want to buy bitcoin (BTC) in exchange for US dollars (USD). In Bisq terminology, you are a ''buyer'' of BTC looking for a ''seller'' of BTC who will accept USD as payment.

To complete a trade on Bisq, you would follow a series of steps similar to these:

# You download and run the Bisq application on your laptop or desktop computer
# You configure Bisq with your USD payment method details (bank transfer, money order, etc)
# You browse Bisq’s offer book for existing offers to sell BTC for USD
# You take an existing offer, agreeing to buy the seller’s BTC for your USD
# You send USD by the agreed upon method and indicate you have done so in Bisq
# You and the seller wait for your USD payment to arrive
# The seller receives your USD and confirms payment receipt in Bisq
# You receive your bitcoin from the seller and the trade is complete

For complete instructions on each of the steps above, see [https://bisq.network/getting-started/ Getting Started].

These steps can vary in a number of ways depending on whether you wish to buy or sell bitcoin, whether you are the ''maker'' or ''taker'' of an offer, and which payment methods you prefer to use.

Regardless, the steps above are quite different from those one would follow to complete a similar trade on a centralized exchange.

=== How trading with Bisq is different ===

Bisq is a desktop application and not a browser-based web application. When using this interface, the first difference experienced traders will notice is that there is '''no automatic order matching''' on the Bisq exchange. Bisq bitcoin buyers do not "buy at market price" or "buy at this limit." Instead Bisq bitcoin buyers accept specific Bisq bitcoin sell offers of a given amount of bitcoin, price, currency and settlement method. This approach enables truly peer-to-peer trade settlement, and ensures that users are in control of all aspects of the trade.

Bisq is also unique among decentralized bitcoin exchanges in the way it coordinates '''out-of-band fiat payments'''. Bisq does not directly integrate with banks or other national currency payment systems in any way. Rather, Bisq’s trading protocol orchestrates the process of buyer and seller working together to settle fiat payments outside of the Bisq application, as demonstrated in steps 5-7 of the trading example above.

These and other differences result in a key trade-off for Bisq users: trade settlement takes longer. Bisq trading is far more secure, private and censorship-resistant in exchange for this lower speed an convenience.

=== How Bisq keeps funds secure ===
* Bisq is '''entirely non-custodial'''; users stay in control of fiat and cryptocurrency funds
* Trades include '''[[security deposit|security deposits]]''' from buyer and seller to prevent fraud
* Trading funds and security deposits are locked in a '''2-of-2 multisig escrow'''
* Disputes are handled through a decentralized human '''[[dispute resolution]] system'''

=== How Bisq keeps data private ===
* Using Bisq requires '''no registration or centralized identity verification'''
* Every Bisq application is a '''Tor hidden service'''
* Bisq has no '''central servers or databases''' to record data
* '''Data is encrypted''' such that trade details are readable only by counterparties

=== How Bisq resists censorship ===
* Bisq’s network is a '''fully distributed P2P network''', and thus difficult to shut down
* Bisq’s network is '''built on top of Tor''', and thus inherits Tor’s own censorship resistance
* '''Bisq is code''', not a company; it is not incorporated, and it cannot be disincorporated

Introduction

2021-08-23T00:03:05Z

Willygoldman: /* How trading with Bisq is different */ generally simplifying sentence structure

Bisq is a decentralized bitcoin exchange network best understood in terms of its major attributes:

# Bisq is a cross-platform '''desktop application''' that allows anyone to buy and sell bitcoin in exchange for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies.
# Bisq is a '''trading protocol''' that enables individuals to exchange directly with one another over the internet, eliminating the need for trusted third party exchange services.
# Bisq is the '''peer-to-peer network''' formed by Bisq applications discovering, connecting to, and working with one another to implement the Bisq trading protocol. The Bisq network is fully peer-to-peer in that it requires no centrally-controlled servers and has no single points of failure.

Bisq is not a company—it is '''free/libre software''' released under version 3 of the GNU Affero General Public License. Bisq is built by individuals around the world who choose to work together. Bisq is used by individuals around the world who choose to trade with Bisq rather than any other other Bitcoin exchanges.

The project itself is organized as a [[decentralized autonomous organization]].

== Why Bisq exists ==

Bisq’s mission is to provide a '''secure''', '''private''' and '''censorship-resistant''' way of exchanging bitcoin for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies over the internet.

When we say secure, we are referring to the safety of the users' funds. Centralized exchanges take custody of the user's fiat and/or bitcoin during the trade. Worse than that, users often choose to allow this custodial relationship over their property for extended periods of time before and after the trade. The Bitcoin of thousands of users is an extreme incentive for those centralized servers to be hacked or compromised by trusted insiders. History shows these incentives are too great: the loss of user bitcoin from centralized exchanges has happened and likely will happen again.

When we say private, we are referring to the users' ability to control access to their own information. Most centralized exchanges require users to divulge personally identifying information in order to set up an account, which in turn links users' trading activity to their respective identities. This practice creates extreme risks for users: their personal details and financial information will be stolen, leaked, or otherwise used against their own best interests.

When we say censorship-resistant, we are referring to freedom. That is the users' ability to voluntarily trade with one another without interference from a third party. Centralized Bitcoin exchanges are highly susceptible to such interference. By their nature, centrralized exchanes must operate within one legal jurisdiction or another. This single jurisdiction puts them at risk of being fined or shut down if they do not comply with the laws and other rules of that jurisdiction. Almost universally there is a legal requirements to collect personal information of the users under "Know Your Customer" (KYC) regulations. The applicable laws may include restrictions on who can trade and what can be traded.

Bisq was built to fulfill this mission: provide people an exchange mechanism where users keep control of funds, that is private by default, and that defends freedom of transaction.

{{Admonition_Note|If Bitcoin’s motto is "be your own bank," Bisq’s motto is "be your own exchange."}}

== How Bisq works ==

=== In a nutshell ===

Imagine you want to buy bitcoin (BTC) in exchange for US dollars (USD). In Bisq terminology, you are a ''buyer'' of BTC looking for a ''seller'' of BTC who will accept USD as payment.

To complete a trade on Bisq, you would follow a series of steps similar to these:

# You download and run the Bisq application on your laptop or desktop computer
# You configure Bisq with your USD payment method details (bank transfer, money order, etc)
# You browse Bisq’s offer book for existing offers to sell BTC for USD
# You take an existing offer, agreeing to buy the seller’s BTC for your USD
# You send USD by the agreed upon method and indicate you have done so in Bisq
# You and the seller wait for your USD payment to arrive
# The seller receives your USD and confirms payment receipt in Bisq
# You receive your bitcoin from the seller and the trade is complete

For complete instructions on each of the steps above, see [https://bisq.network/getting-started/ Getting Started].

These steps can vary in a number of ways depending on whether you wish to buy or sell bitcoin, whether you are the ''maker'' or ''taker'' of an offer, and which payment methods you prefer to use.

Regardless, the steps above are quite different from those one would follow to complete a similar trade on a centralized exchange.

=== How trading with Bisq is different ===

Bisq is a desktop application and not a browser-based web application. When using this interface, the first difference experienced traders will notice is that there is '''no automatic order matching''' on the Bisq exchange. Rather, Bisq users manually search for and select specific offers they wish to take. This approach enables truly peer-to-peer trade settlement, and ensures that users are in control of which counterparties they trade with.

Bisq is also unique among decentralized bitcoin exchanges in the way it coordinates '''out-of-band fiat payments'''. Bisq does not directly integrate with banks or other national currency payment systems in any way. Rather, Bisq’s trading protocol orchestrates the process of buyer and seller working together to settle fiat payments outside of the Bisq application, as demonstrated in steps 5-7 of the trading example above.

These and other differences result in a key trade-off for Bisq users: trade settlement takes longer. Bisq trading is far more secure, private and censorship-resistant in exchange for this lower speed an convenience.

=== How Bisq keeps funds secure ===
* Bisq is '''entirely non-custodial'''; users stay in control of fiat and cryptocurrency funds
* Trades include '''[[security deposit|security deposits]]''' from buyer and seller to prevent fraud
* Trading funds and security deposits are locked in a '''2-of-2 multisig escrow'''
* Disputes are handled through a decentralized human '''[[dispute resolution]] system'''

=== How Bisq keeps data private ===
* Using Bisq requires '''no registration or centralized identity verification'''
* Every Bisq application is a '''Tor hidden service'''
* Bisq has no '''central servers or databases''' to record data
* '''Data is encrypted''' such that trade details are readable only by counterparties

=== How Bisq resists censorship ===
* Bisq’s network is a '''fully distributed P2P network''', and thus difficult to shut down
* Bisq’s network is '''built on top of Tor''', and thus inherits Tor’s own censorship resistance
* '''Bisq is code''', not a company; it is not incorporated, and it cannot be disincorporated

Introduction

2021-08-22T23:56:39Z

Willygoldman: /* In a nutshell */

Bisq is a decentralized bitcoin exchange network best understood in terms of its major attributes:

# Bisq is a cross-platform '''desktop application''' that allows anyone to buy and sell bitcoin in exchange for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies.
# Bisq is a '''trading protocol''' that enables individuals to exchange directly with one another over the internet, eliminating the need for trusted third party exchange services.
# Bisq is the '''peer-to-peer network''' formed by Bisq applications discovering, connecting to, and working with one another to implement the Bisq trading protocol. The Bisq network is fully peer-to-peer in that it requires no centrally-controlled servers and has no single points of failure.

Bisq is not a company—it is '''free/libre software''' released under version 3 of the GNU Affero General Public License. Bisq is built by individuals around the world who choose to work together. Bisq is used by individuals around the world who choose to trade with Bisq rather than any other other Bitcoin exchanges.

The project itself is organized as a [[decentralized autonomous organization]].

== Why Bisq exists ==

Bisq’s mission is to provide a '''secure''', '''private''' and '''censorship-resistant''' way of exchanging bitcoin for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies over the internet.

When we say secure, we are referring to the safety of the users' funds. Centralized exchanges take custody of the user's fiat and/or bitcoin during the trade. Worse than that, users often choose to allow this custodial relationship over their property for extended periods of time before and after the trade. The Bitcoin of thousands of users is an extreme incentive for those centralized servers to be hacked or compromised by trusted insiders. History shows these incentives are too great: the loss of user bitcoin from centralized exchanges has happened and likely will happen again.

When we say private, we are referring to the users' ability to control access to their own information. Most centralized exchanges require users to divulge personally identifying information in order to set up an account, which in turn links users' trading activity to their respective identities. This practice creates extreme risks for users: their personal details and financial information will be stolen, leaked, or otherwise used against their own best interests.

When we say censorship-resistant, we are referring to freedom. That is the users' ability to voluntarily trade with one another without interference from a third party. Centralized Bitcoin exchanges are highly susceptible to such interference. By their nature, centrralized exchanes must operate within one legal jurisdiction or another. This single jurisdiction puts them at risk of being fined or shut down if they do not comply with the laws and other rules of that jurisdiction. Almost universally there is a legal requirements to collect personal information of the users under "Know Your Customer" (KYC) regulations. The applicable laws may include restrictions on who can trade and what can be traded.

Bisq was built to fulfill this mission: provide people an exchange mechanism where users keep control of funds, that is private by default, and that defends freedom of transaction.

{{Admonition_Note|If Bitcoin’s motto is "be your own bank," Bisq’s motto is "be your own exchange."}}

== How Bisq works ==

=== In a nutshell ===

Imagine you want to buy bitcoin (BTC) in exchange for US dollars (USD). In Bisq terminology, you are a ''buyer'' of BTC looking for a ''seller'' of BTC who will accept USD as payment.

To complete a trade on Bisq, you would follow a series of steps similar to these:

# You download and run the Bisq application on your laptop or desktop computer
# You configure Bisq with your USD payment method details (bank transfer, money order, etc)
# You browse Bisq’s offer book for existing offers to sell BTC for USD
# You take an existing offer, agreeing to buy the seller’s BTC for your USD
# You send USD by the agreed upon method and indicate you have done so in Bisq
# You and the seller wait for your USD payment to arrive
# The seller receives your USD and confirms payment receipt in Bisq
# You receive your bitcoin from the seller and the trade is complete

For complete instructions on each of the steps above, see [https://bisq.network/getting-started/ Getting Started].

These steps can vary in a number of ways depending on whether you wish to buy or sell bitcoin, whether you are the ''maker'' or ''taker'' of an offer, and which payment methods you prefer to use.

Regardless, the steps above are quite different from those one would follow to complete a similar trade on a centralized exchange.

=== How trading with Bisq is different ===

Beyond the obvious difference that Bisq is a desktop application and not a browser-based web application, the first difference experienced traders will notice is that there is '''no automatic order matching''' on the Bisq exchange. Rather, Bisq users manually search for and select specific offers they wish to take. This approach enables truly peer-to-peer trade settlement, and ensures that users are in control of which counterparties they trade with.

Bisq is also unique among decentralized bitcoin exchanges in the way it coordinates '''out-of-band fiat payments'''. Bisq does not directly integrate with banks or other national currency payment systems in any way. Rather, Bisq’s trading protocol orchestrates the process of buyer and seller working together to settle fiat payments outside of the Bisq application, as demonstrated in steps 5-7 of the trading example above.

These and other differences result in a key trade-off for Bisq users: trade settlement takes longer, but trading itself is far more secure, private and censorship-resistant.

=== How Bisq keeps funds secure ===
* Bisq is '''entirely non-custodial'''; users stay in control of fiat and cryptocurrency funds
* Trades include '''[[security deposit|security deposits]]''' from buyer and seller to prevent fraud
* Trading funds and security deposits are locked in a '''2-of-2 multisig escrow'''
* Disputes are handled through a decentralized human '''[[dispute resolution]] system'''

=== How Bisq keeps data private ===
* Using Bisq requires '''no registration or centralized identity verification'''
* Every Bisq application is a '''Tor hidden service'''
* Bisq has no '''central servers or databases''' to record data
* '''Data is encrypted''' such that trade details are readable only by counterparties

=== How Bisq resists censorship ===
* Bisq’s network is a '''fully distributed P2P network''', and thus difficult to shut down
* Bisq’s network is '''built on top of Tor''', and thus inherits Tor’s own censorship resistance
* '''Bisq is code''', not a company; it is not incorporated, and it cannot be disincorporated

Introduction

2021-08-22T23:54:56Z

Willygoldman: /* In a nutshell */ Point five explicitly mentioned using a bank. Not all methods use banks.

Bisq is a decentralized bitcoin exchange network best understood in terms of its major attributes:

# Bisq is a cross-platform '''desktop application''' that allows anyone to buy and sell bitcoin in exchange for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies.
# Bisq is a '''trading protocol''' that enables individuals to exchange directly with one another over the internet, eliminating the need for trusted third party exchange services.
# Bisq is the '''peer-to-peer network''' formed by Bisq applications discovering, connecting to, and working with one another to implement the Bisq trading protocol. The Bisq network is fully peer-to-peer in that it requires no centrally-controlled servers and has no single points of failure.

Bisq is not a company—it is '''free/libre software''' released under version 3 of the GNU Affero General Public License. Bisq is built by individuals around the world who choose to work together. Bisq is used by individuals around the world who choose to trade with Bisq rather than any other other Bitcoin exchanges.

The project itself is organized as a [[decentralized autonomous organization]].

== Why Bisq exists ==

Bisq’s mission is to provide a '''secure''', '''private''' and '''censorship-resistant''' way of exchanging bitcoin for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies over the internet.

When we say secure, we are referring to the safety of the users' funds. Centralized exchanges take custody of the user's fiat and/or bitcoin during the trade. Worse than that, users often choose to allow this custodial relationship over their property for extended periods of time before and after the trade. The Bitcoin of thousands of users is an extreme incentive for those centralized servers to be hacked or compromised by trusted insiders. History shows these incentives are too great: the loss of user bitcoin from centralized exchanges has happened and likely will happen again.

When we say private, we are referring to the users' ability to control access to their own information. Most centralized exchanges require users to divulge personally identifying information in order to set up an account, which in turn links users' trading activity to their respective identities. This practice creates extreme risks for users: their personal details and financial information will be stolen, leaked, or otherwise used against their own best interests.

When we say censorship-resistant, we are referring to freedom. That is the users' ability to voluntarily trade with one another without interference from a third party. Centralized Bitcoin exchanges are highly susceptible to such interference. By their nature, centrralized exchanes must operate within one legal jurisdiction or another. This single jurisdiction puts them at risk of being fined or shut down if they do not comply with the laws and other rules of that jurisdiction. Almost universally there is a legal requirements to collect personal information of the users under "Know Your Customer" (KYC) regulations. The applicable laws may include restrictions on who can trade and what can be traded.

Bisq was built to fulfill this mission: provide people an exchange mechanism where users keep control of funds, that is private by default, and that defends freedom of transaction.

{{Admonition_Note|If Bitcoin’s motto is "be your own bank," Bisq’s motto is "be your own exchange."}}

== How Bisq works ==

=== In a nutshell ===

Imagine you want to buy bitcoin (BTC) in exchange for US dollars (USD). In Bisq terminology, you are a ''buyer'' of BTC looking for a ''seller'' of BTC who will accept USD as payment.

To complete a trade on Bisq, you would follow a series of steps similar to these:

# You download and run the Bisq application on your laptop or desktop computer
# You configure Bisq with your USD payment method details (bank transfer, money order, etc)
# You browse Bisq’s offer book for existing offers to sell BTC for USD
# You take an existing offer, agreeing to buy the seller’s BTC for your USD
# You send USD by the agreed upon method and indicate you have done so in Bisq
# You and the seller wait for your USD payment to arrive
# The seller receives your USD and confirms payment receipt in Bisq
# You receive your bitcoin from the seller and the trade is complete

For complete instructions on each of the steps above, see [https://bisq.network/getting-started/ Getting Started].

These steps can vary in a number of ways depending on whether you wish to buy or sell bitcoin, whether you are the ''maker'' or ''taker'' of an offer, which payment methods you prefer to use, and so on.

Regardless, the steps above are quite different from those one would follow to complete a similar trade on a centralized exchange.

=== How trading with Bisq is different ===

Beyond the obvious difference that Bisq is a desktop application and not a browser-based web application, the first difference experienced traders will notice is that there is '''no automatic order matching''' on the Bisq exchange. Rather, Bisq users manually search for and select specific offers they wish to take. This approach enables truly peer-to-peer trade settlement, and ensures that users are in control of which counterparties they trade with.

Bisq is also unique among decentralized bitcoin exchanges in the way it coordinates '''out-of-band fiat payments'''. Bisq does not directly integrate with banks or other national currency payment systems in any way. Rather, Bisq’s trading protocol orchestrates the process of buyer and seller working together to settle fiat payments outside of the Bisq application, as demonstrated in steps 5-7 of the trading example above.

These and other differences result in a key trade-off for Bisq users: trade settlement takes longer, but trading itself is far more secure, private and censorship-resistant.

=== How Bisq keeps funds secure ===
* Bisq is '''entirely non-custodial'''; users stay in control of fiat and cryptocurrency funds
* Trades include '''[[security deposit|security deposits]]''' from buyer and seller to prevent fraud
* Trading funds and security deposits are locked in a '''2-of-2 multisig escrow'''
* Disputes are handled through a decentralized human '''[[dispute resolution]] system'''

=== How Bisq keeps data private ===
* Using Bisq requires '''no registration or centralized identity verification'''
* Every Bisq application is a '''Tor hidden service'''
* Bisq has no '''central servers or databases''' to record data
* '''Data is encrypted''' such that trade details are readable only by counterparties

=== How Bisq resists censorship ===
* Bisq’s network is a '''fully distributed P2P network''', and thus difficult to shut down
* Bisq’s network is '''built on top of Tor''', and thus inherits Tor’s own censorship resistance
* '''Bisq is code''', not a company; it is not incorporated, and it cannot be disincorporated

Introduction

2021-08-22T23:50:22Z

Willygoldman: /* Why Bisq exists */

Bisq is a decentralized bitcoin exchange network best understood in terms of its major attributes:

# Bisq is a cross-platform '''desktop application''' that allows anyone to buy and sell bitcoin in exchange for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies.
# Bisq is a '''trading protocol''' that enables individuals to exchange directly with one another over the internet, eliminating the need for trusted third party exchange services.
# Bisq is the '''peer-to-peer network''' formed by Bisq applications discovering, connecting to, and working with one another to implement the Bisq trading protocol. The Bisq network is fully peer-to-peer in that it requires no centrally-controlled servers and has no single points of failure.

Bisq is not a company—it is '''free/libre software''' released under version 3 of the GNU Affero General Public License. Bisq is built by individuals around the world who choose to work together. Bisq is used by individuals around the world who choose to trade with Bisq rather than any other other Bitcoin exchanges.

The project itself is organized as a [[decentralized autonomous organization]].

== Why Bisq exists ==

Bisq’s mission is to provide a '''secure''', '''private''' and '''censorship-resistant''' way of exchanging bitcoin for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies over the internet.

When we say secure, we are referring to the safety of the users' funds. Centralized exchanges take custody of the user's fiat and/or bitcoin during the trade. Worse than that, users often choose to allow this custodial relationship over their property for extended periods of time before and after the trade. The Bitcoin of thousands of users is an extreme incentive for those centralized servers to be hacked or compromised by trusted insiders. History shows these incentives are too great: the loss of user bitcoin from centralized exchanges has happened and likely will happen again.

When we say private, we are referring to the users' ability to control access to their own information. Most centralized exchanges require users to divulge personally identifying information in order to set up an account, which in turn links users' trading activity to their respective identities. This practice creates extreme risks for users: their personal details and financial information will be stolen, leaked, or otherwise used against their own best interests.

When we say censorship-resistant, we are referring to freedom. That is the users' ability to voluntarily trade with one another without interference from a third party. Centralized Bitcoin exchanges are highly susceptible to such interference. By their nature, centrralized exchanes must operate within one legal jurisdiction or another. This single jurisdiction puts them at risk of being fined or shut down if they do not comply with the laws and other rules of that jurisdiction. Almost universally there is a legal requirements to collect personal information of the users under "Know Your Customer" (KYC) regulations. The applicable laws may include restrictions on who can trade and what can be traded.

Bisq was built to fulfill this mission: provide people an exchange mechanism where users keep control of funds, that is private by default, and that defends freedom of transaction.

{{Admonition_Note|If Bitcoin’s motto is "be your own bank," Bisq’s motto is "be your own exchange."}}

== How Bisq works ==

=== In a nutshell ===

Imagine you want to buy bitcoin (BTC) in exchange for US dollars (USD). In Bisq terminology, you are a ''buyer'' of BTC looking for a ''seller'' of BTC who will accept USD as payment.

To complete a trade on Bisq, you would follow a series of steps similar to these:

# You download and run the Bisq application on your laptop or desktop computer
# You configure Bisq with your USD payment method details (bank transfer, money order, etc)
# You browse Bisq’s offer book for existing offers to sell BTC for USD
# You take an existing offer, agreeing to buy the seller’s BTC for your USD
# You send USD from your bank to the seller’s bank and indicate you have done so in Bisq
# You and the seller wait for your USD payment to arrive at the seller’s bank
# The seller receives your USD and confirms payment receipt in Bisq
# You receive the seller’s bitcoin and the trade is complete

For complete instructions on each of the steps above, see [https://bisq.network/getting-started/ Getting Started].

These steps can vary in a number of ways depending on whether you wish to buy or sell bitcoin, whether you are the ''maker'' or ''taker'' of an offer, which payment methods you prefer to use, and so on.

Regardless, the steps above are quite different from those one would follow to complete a similar trade on a centralized exchange.

=== How trading with Bisq is different ===

Beyond the obvious difference that Bisq is a desktop application and not a browser-based web application, the first difference experienced traders will notice is that there is '''no automatic order matching''' on the Bisq exchange. Rather, Bisq users manually search for and select specific offers they wish to take. This approach enables truly peer-to-peer trade settlement, and ensures that users are in control of which counterparties they trade with.

Bisq is also unique among decentralized bitcoin exchanges in the way it coordinates '''out-of-band fiat payments'''. Bisq does not directly integrate with banks or other national currency payment systems in any way. Rather, Bisq’s trading protocol orchestrates the process of buyer and seller working together to settle fiat payments outside of the Bisq application, as demonstrated in steps 5-7 of the trading example above.

These and other differences result in a key trade-off for Bisq users: trade settlement takes longer, but trading itself is far more secure, private and censorship-resistant.

=== How Bisq keeps funds secure ===
* Bisq is '''entirely non-custodial'''; users stay in control of fiat and cryptocurrency funds
* Trades include '''[[security deposit|security deposits]]''' from buyer and seller to prevent fraud
* Trading funds and security deposits are locked in a '''2-of-2 multisig escrow'''
* Disputes are handled through a decentralized human '''[[dispute resolution]] system'''

=== How Bisq keeps data private ===
* Using Bisq requires '''no registration or centralized identity verification'''
* Every Bisq application is a '''Tor hidden service'''
* Bisq has no '''central servers or databases''' to record data
* '''Data is encrypted''' such that trade details are readable only by counterparties

=== How Bisq resists censorship ===
* Bisq’s network is a '''fully distributed P2P network''', and thus difficult to shut down
* Bisq’s network is '''built on top of Tor''', and thus inherits Tor’s own censorship resistance
* '''Bisq is code''', not a company; it is not incorporated, and it cannot be disincorporated

Introduction

2021-08-22T23:49:13Z

Willygoldman: Rework of "Why" section. Broke long sentences down into shorter simpler ones.

Bisq is a decentralized bitcoin exchange network best understood in terms of its major attributes:

# Bisq is a cross-platform '''desktop application''' that allows anyone to buy and sell bitcoin in exchange for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies.
# Bisq is a '''trading protocol''' that enables individuals to exchange directly with one another over the internet, eliminating the need for trusted third party exchange services.
# Bisq is the '''peer-to-peer network''' formed by Bisq applications discovering, connecting to, and working with one another to implement the Bisq trading protocol. The Bisq network is fully peer-to-peer in that it requires no centrally-controlled servers and has no single points of failure.

Bisq is not a company—it is '''free/libre software''' released under version 3 of the GNU Affero General Public License. Bisq is built by individuals around the world who choose to work together. Bisq is used by individuals around the world who choose to trade with Bisq rather than any other other Bitcoin exchanges.

The project itself is organized as a [[decentralized autonomous organization]].

== Why Bisq exists ==

Bisq’s mission is to provide a '''secure''', '''private''' and '''censorship-resistant''' way of exchanging bitcoin for national currencies or other cryptocurrencies over the internet.

When we say secure, we are referring to the safety of the users' funds. Centralized exchanges take custody of the user's fiat and/or Bitcoin during the trade. Worse than that, users often choose to allow this custodial relationship over their property for extended periods of time before and after the trade. The Bitcoin of thousands of users is an extreme incentive for those centralized servers to be hacked or compromised by trusted insiders. History shows these incentives are too great: the loss of user Bitcoin from centralized exchanges has happened and likely will happen again.

When we say private, we are referring to the users' ability to control access to their own information. Most centralized exchanges require users to divulge personally identifying information in order to set up an account, which in turn links users' trading activity to their respective identities. This practice creates extreme risks for users: their personal details and financial information will be stolen, leaked, or otherwise used against their own best interests.

When we say censorship-resistant, we are referring to freedom. That is the users' ability to voluntarily trade with one another without interference from a third party. Centralized Bitcoin exchanges are highly susceptible to such interference. By their nature, centrralized exchanes must operate within one legal jurisdiction or another. This single jurisdiction puts them at risk of being fined or shut down if they do not comply with the laws and other rules of that jurisdiction. Almost universally there is a legal requirements to collect personal information of the users under "Know Your Customer" (KYC) regulations. The applicable laws may include restrictions on who can trade and what can be traded.

Bisq was built to fulfill this mission: provide people an exchange mechanism where users keep control of funds, that is private by default, and that defends freedom of transaction.

{{Admonition_Note|If Bitcoin’s motto is "be your own bank," Bisq’s motto is "be your own exchange."}}

== How Bisq works ==

=== In a nutshell ===

Imagine you want to buy bitcoin (BTC) in exchange for US dollars (USD). In Bisq terminology, you are a ''buyer'' of BTC looking for a ''seller'' of BTC who will accept USD as payment.

To complete a trade on Bisq, you would follow a series of steps similar to these:

# You download and run the Bisq application on your laptop or desktop computer
# You configure Bisq with your USD payment method details (bank transfer, money order, etc)
# You browse Bisq’s offer book for existing offers to sell BTC for USD
# You take an existing offer, agreeing to buy the seller’s BTC for your USD
# You send USD from your bank to the seller’s bank and indicate you have done so in Bisq
# You and the seller wait for your USD payment to arrive at the seller’s bank
# The seller receives your USD and confirms payment receipt in Bisq
# You receive the seller’s bitcoin and the trade is complete

For complete instructions on each of the steps above, see [https://bisq.network/getting-started/ Getting Started].

These steps can vary in a number of ways depending on whether you wish to buy or sell bitcoin, whether you are the ''maker'' or ''taker'' of an offer, which payment methods you prefer to use, and so on.

Regardless, the steps above are quite different from those one would follow to complete a similar trade on a centralized exchange.

=== How trading with Bisq is different ===

Beyond the obvious difference that Bisq is a desktop application and not a browser-based web application, the first difference experienced traders will notice is that there is '''no automatic order matching''' on the Bisq exchange. Rather, Bisq users manually search for and select specific offers they wish to take. This approach enables truly peer-to-peer trade settlement, and ensures that users are in control of which counterparties they trade with.

Bisq is also unique among decentralized bitcoin exchanges in the way it coordinates '''out-of-band fiat payments'''. Bisq does not directly integrate with banks or other national currency payment systems in any way. Rather, Bisq’s trading protocol orchestrates the process of buyer and seller working together to settle fiat payments outside of the Bisq application, as demonstrated in steps 5-7 of the trading example above.

These and other differences result in a key trade-off for Bisq users: trade settlement takes longer, but trading itself is far more secure, private and censorship-resistant.

=== How Bisq keeps funds secure ===
* Bisq is '''entirely non-custodial'''; users stay in control of fiat and cryptocurrency funds
* Trades include '''[[security deposit|security deposits]]''' from buyer and seller to prevent fraud
* Trading funds and security deposits are locked in a '''2-of-2 multisig escrow'''
* Disputes are handled through a decentralized human '''[[dispute resolution]] system'''

=== How Bisq keeps data private ===
* Using Bisq requires '''no registration or centralized identity verification'''
* Every Bisq application is a '''Tor hidden service'''
* Bisq has no '''central servers or databases''' to record data
* '''Data is encrypted''' such that trade details are readable only by counterparties

=== How Bisq resists censorship ===
* Bisq’s network is a '''fully distributed P2P network''', and thus difficult to shut down
* Bisq’s network is '''built on top of Tor''', and thus inherits Tor’s own censorship resistance
* '''Bisq is code''', not a company; it is not incorporated, and it cannot be disincorporated

Contributor checklist

2021-08-22T12:05:23Z

Willygoldman: Added parallelism to the major bullet points, various formating consistency changes

If you are interested in contributing to Bisq, welcome! This contributor checklist will get you plugged in and productive as quickly as possible.

Bisq is free and open source software, but contributing is not just about writing code. A contributor is any individual who works to improve and add value to the Bisq network and its users.

This can mean anything from fixing typos in documentation, to providing support, to testing out new growth strategies, to implementing new Bisq features and everything in between. All such contributions are eligible for [[compensation]] from the Bisq DAO.

__TOC__

== Team Communications: Keybase ==

Get communicating with us.

# Keybase is a seperate piece of software we use to communicate. The software supports different teams. Get the software here: [https://keybase.io/team/bisq Keybase team]. In the Keybase software, join the Bisq team under the "Teams" Tab then "Join a team" and then "Bisq" as the team to join. [[File:BisqTeamsView.jpg||600px|thumb|center|Sucessfully joined the Bisq team]] This is an open community, no permissions needed to join. You will see the Bisq logo when you find the right team.
# Introduce yourself in the <code>#introductions</code> channel. Say a bit about your skills and interests. This will help others point you in the right direction.
# Explore the other channels for our team on Keybase, and join the ones that are of interest to you. For a start, consider joining <code>#proposals</code>, <code>#dev</code>, <code>#growth</code>. There is <code>#dev-onboarding</code> for developers.

== Code: GitHub ==

Disregard these developer-oriented items if you're not looking to contribute code.

# Watch the following repositories on GitHub: [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq core software], [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/discussions discussions], [https://github.com/bisq-network/proposals proposals], [https://github.com/bisq-network/growth growth], [https://github.com/bisq-network/roles roles] and [https://github.com/bisq-network/compensation compensation].
# Read the [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/docs/README.md developer docs] to set up a Bisq development environment.
# Read [https://chris.beams.io/posts/git-commit How to Write a Git Commit Message] and follow its [https://chris.beams.io/posts/git-commit/#7-rules 7 rules] when contributing to Bisq projects.
# Get set up to [https://help.github.com/articles/signing-commits-using-gpg/ Sign your Git Commits] with GPG. Any commits to any Bisq repository must be signed.

== Bisq Project Management ==

# Read about [[Project_management|Bisq’s project management process]].
# Familiarize yourself with [https://ossec-docs.readthedocs.io/en/latest/docs/development/oRFC/orfc-1.html C4: The Collective Code Construction Contract]. It’s a simple set of collaboration rules based on GitHub’s fork+pull request model, and a foundational part of how we work together.
# For more context on C4 and the principles behind it, read author Pieter Hintjens' short book, [https://www.gitbook.com/?utm_source=legacy&utm_medium=redirect&utm_campaign=close_legacy Social Architecture].
# To understand the fundamentals of Bisq's mission and motivations, read the introductory wiki articles on [[Introduction|Bisq]] and the [[Introduction_to_the_DAO|Bisq DAO]].
# To understand Bisq’s commitment to radical transparency and radical honesty, read Part III of [https://www.amazon.com/Principles-Life-Work-Ray-Dalio/dp/1501124021/ Ray Dalio’s Principles].
# To get inspired about what building software in a non-hierarchical organization can be like (and what it requires of everyone involved), read the [https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/apps/valve/Valve_NewEmployeeHandbook.pdf Valve Employee Handbook].

== Communication Channels ==

# Browse and subscribe to the [https://www.youtube.com/c/bisq-network Bisq YouTube channel] to catch up on meetings we hold, tutorials we publish, technical sessions, and more.
# Follow [https://twitter.com/bisq_network @bisq_network] on Twitter, or on any of the other channels listed [https://bisq.network/#community on the bottom of the website]: forum, Telegram, Matrix, Mastodon, etc.
# Subscribe to the [https://lists.bisq.network/listinfo/bisq-contrib bisq-contrib] mailing list for low-frequency, high-priority contributor communications.

If you decide to proceed and start contributing, you'll want to join Bisq's GitHub organization so you can be assigned to issues:

# Request an invite to the [https://github.com/bisq-network @bisq-network GitHub organization] on Keybase. An admin will get you set up. Doing this makes it possible to add you to the [https://github.com/orgs/bisq-network/teams @bisq-network/contributors] team and to assign you to GitHub issues.
# After accepting your GitHub invitation, consider changing your [https://github.com/orgs/bisq-network/people membership visibility] from <code>private</code> to <code>public</code>. This helps others know at a glance roughly how many contributors are involved with Bisq.

== Compansation: BSQ tokens ==

After browsing GitHub repositories and Keybase discussions, you will start to develop a sense for what's happening, what's needed, and where you can help:

# '''Find a problem somewhere in Bisq-land''' that (a) needs fixing and (b) is a match for your skills and interests. Browse critical bugs, open bounties, follow chats on Keybase and the forums, and ask around about what other contributors think needs fixing.
# '''Get assigned to an issue''' or have your initiative acknowledged in some other way. While you don’t strictly need anybody’s permission to do anything for Bisq, you’ll want to make sure there's buy-in from other contributors so your work is received well. Otherwise, there are no guarantees that your work will be merged, reviewed, or eligible for compensation.
# '''Do work to fix that problem'''. Submit your fix for review with a pull request (for code and documentation changes) or with a GitHub issue (for everything else).
# '''Request that others review your work'''. The best way to do this is by writing good commit comments and pull request/issue descriptions that clearly explain the problem your work is intended to solve, why it’s important, and why you fixed it the way you did. Make it as easy as possible for others to review your work. Make it a pleasure for others to review your work.
# '''Incorporate review feedback''' you get until your fix gets merged or is otherwise accepted.
# '''Repeat''' steps 1–5.
# [[compensation|Submit a compensation request]] toward the end of the cycle.

{{Admonition Note|As you'll see from browsing the various repositories on GitHub, changes to Bisq are almost always discussed publicly. This helps maintain Bisq's commitment to transparency, invites feedback to improve the quality of contributions, and it helps keep compensation honest. '''Always try to make sure your work is documented somewhere so others can follow its progress and offer feedback.'''}}

Ultimately, please remember that all Bisq contributors participate on a voluntary basis, and the more energy and quality you bring to the table, the more existing contributors will be encouraged to pay you attention.

Regarding development, keep in mind that reviewing other contributors' work can be highly valuable as well (both to the project, and also to yourself as a way to learn how Bisq works). Quality code reviews are eligible for compensation just like any other contribution.

Contributor checklist

2021-08-22T11:26:38Z

Willygoldman: "in-between" is improper: https://www.grammarly.com/blog/in-between-or-inbetween/?&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=13168627151&utm_targetid=aud-930936872774:dsa-43245954176&gclid=CjwKCAjw64eJBhAGEiwABr9o2HShUvc0RcNBsUq6D2HsEXCTO8-YA620YMdA7jKJjySsZ3h0hVVX2xoCb7AQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

If you're interested in contributing to Bisq, welcome! This '''contributor checklist''' will get you plugged in and productive as quickly as possible.

Bisq is free and open source software, but contributing is not just about writing code. A contributor is any individual who works to improve and add value to the Bisq network and its users.

This can mean anything from fixing typos in documentation, to providing support, to testing out new growth strategies, to implementing new Bisq features and everything in between. All such contributions are eligible for [[compensation]] from the Bisq DAO.

__TOC__

== Basics: Communications with team through Keybase ==

Get communicating with us.

# Keybase is a seperate piece of software we use to communicate. The software supports different teams. Get the software here: [https://keybase.io/team/bisq Keybase team]. In the Keybase software, join the Bisq team under the "Teams" Tab then "Join a team" and then "Bisq" as the team to join. [[File:BisqTeamsView.jpg||600px|thumb|center|Sucessfully joined the Bisq team]] This is an open community, no permissions needed to join. You will see the Bisq logo when you find the right team.
# Introduce yourself in the <code>#introductions</code> channel. Say a bit about your skills and interests. This will help others point you in the right direction.
# Explore the other channels for our team on Keybase, and join the ones that are of interest to you. For a start, consider joining <code>#proposals</code>, <code>#dev</code>, <code>#growth</code>, and <code>#dev-onboarding</code> (if you’re a developer).

== Code: stored in GitHub ==

Disregard these developer-oriented items if you're not looking to contribute code.

# Watch the following repositories on GitHub: [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq core software], [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/discussions discussions], [https://github.com/bisq-network/proposals proposals], [https://github.com/bisq-network/growth growth], [https://github.com/bisq-network/roles roles] and [https://github.com/bisq-network/compensation compensation].
# Read the [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/docs/README.md developer docs] to set up a Bisq development environment.
# Read [https://chris.beams.io/posts/git-commit How to Write a Git Commit Message] and follow its [https://chris.beams.io/posts/git-commit/#7-rules 7 rules] when contributing to Bisq projects.
# Get set up to [https://help.github.com/articles/signing-commits-using-gpg/ Sign your Git Commits] with GPG. Any commits to any Bisq repository must be signed.

== Learn how we work ==

# Read about [[Project_management|Bisq’s project management process]].
# Familiarize yourself with [https://ossec-docs.readthedocs.io/en/latest/docs/development/oRFC/orfc-1.html C4: The Collective Code Construction Contract]. It’s a simple set of collaboration rules based on GitHub’s fork+pull request model, and a foundational part of how we work together.
# For more context on C4 and the principles behind it, read author Pieter Hintjens' short book, [https://www.gitbook.com/?utm_source=legacy&utm_medium=redirect&utm_campaign=close_legacy Social Architecture].
# To understand the fundamentals of Bisq's mission and motivations, read the introductory wiki articles on [[Introduction|Bisq]] and the [[Introduction_to_the_DAO|Bisq DAO]].
# To understand Bisq’s commitment to radical transparency and radical honesty, read Part III of [https://www.amazon.com/Principles-Life-Work-Ray-Dalio/dp/1501124021/ Ray Dalio’s Principles].
# To get inspired about what building software in a non-hierarchical organization can be like (and what it requires of everyone involved), read the [https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/apps/valve/Valve_NewEmployeeHandbook.pdf Valve Employee Handbook].

== Get connected social media and e-mail==

# Browse and subscribe to the [https://www.youtube.com/c/bisq-network Bisq YouTube channel] to catch up on meetings we hold, tutorials we publish, technical sessions, and more.
# Follow [https://twitter.com/bisq_network @bisq_network] on Twitter, or on any of the other channels listed [https://bisq.network/#community on the bottom of the website]: forum, Telegram, Matrix, Mastodon, etc.
# Subscribe to the [https://lists.bisq.network/listinfo/bisq-contrib bisq-contrib] mailing list for low-frequency, high-priority contributor communications.

If you decide to proceed and start contributing, you'll want to join Bisq's GitHub organization so you can be assigned to issues:

# Request an invite to the [https://github.com/bisq-network @bisq-network GitHub organization] on Keybase. An admin will get you set up. Doing this makes it possible to add you to the [https://github.com/orgs/bisq-network/teams @bisq-network/contributors] team and to assign you to GitHub issues.
# After accepting your GitHub invitation, consider changing your [https://github.com/orgs/bisq-network/people membership visibility] from <code>private</code> to <code>public</code>. This helps others know at a glance roughly how many contributors are involved with Bisq.

== Do valuable work and get compensated ==

After browsing GitHub repositories and Keybase discussions, you will start to develop a sense for what's happening, what's needed, and where you can help:

# '''Find a problem somewhere in Bisq-land''' that (a) needs fixing and (b) is a match for your skills and interests. Browse critical bugs, open bounties, follow chats on Keybase and the forums, and ask around about what other contributors think needs fixing.
# '''Get assigned to an issue''' or have your initiative acknowledged in some other way. While you don’t strictly need anybody’s permission to do anything for Bisq, you’ll want to make sure there's buy-in from other contributors so your work is received well. Otherwise, there are no guarantees that your work will be merged, reviewed, or eligible for compensation.
# '''Do work to fix that problem'''. Submit your fix for review with a pull request (for code and documentation changes) or with a GitHub issue (for everything else).
# '''Request that others review your work'''. The best way to do this is by writing good commit comments and pull request/issue descriptions that clearly explain the problem your work is intended to solve, why it’s important, and why you fixed it the way you did. Make it as easy as possible for others to review your work. Make it a pleasure for others to review your work.
# '''Incorporate review feedback''' you get until your fix gets merged or is otherwise accepted.
# '''Repeat''' steps 1–5.
# [[compensation|Submit a compensation request]] toward the end of the cycle.

{{Admonition Note|As you'll see from browsing the various repositories on GitHub, changes to Bisq are almost always discussed publicly. This helps maintain Bisq's commitment to transparency, invites feedback to improve the quality of contributions, and it helps keep compensation honest. '''Always try to make sure your work is documented somewhere so others can follow its progress and offer feedback.'''}}

Ultimately, please remember that all Bisq contributors participate on a voluntary basis, and the more energy and quality you bring to the table, the more existing contributors will be encouraged to pay you attention.

Regarding development, keep in mind that reviewing other contributors' work can be highly valuable as well (both to the project, and also to yourself as a way to learn how Bisq works). Quality code reviews are eligible for compensation just like any other contribution.

Contributor checklist

2021-08-22T11:22:56Z

Willygoldman: Added images for getting into Keybase. Had incorrectly said "in no particular order", but there was an order (download keyBase, Join teams, etc) Broke out GitHub as dev only.

If you're interested in contributing to Bisq, welcome! This '''contributor checklist''' will get you plugged in and productive as quickly as possible.

Bisq is free and open source software, but contributing is not just about writing code. A contributor is any individual who works to improve and add value to the Bisq network and its users.

This can mean anything from fixing typos in documentation, to providing support, to testing out new growth strategies, to implementing new Bisq features and everything in-between. All such contributions are eligible for [[compensation]] from the Bisq DAO.

__TOC__

== Basics: Communications with team through Keybase ==

Get communicating with us.

# Keybase is a seperate piece of software we use to communicate. The software supports different teams. Get the software here: [https://keybase.io/team/bisq Keybase team]. In the Keybase software, join the Bisq team under the "Teams" Tab then "Join a team" and then "Bisq" as the team to join. [[File:BisqTeamsView.jpg||600px|thumb|center|Sucessfully joined the Bisq team]] This is an open community, no permissions needed to join. You will see the Bisq logo when you find the right team.
# Introduce yourself in the <code>#introductions</code> channel. Say a bit about your skills and interests. This will help others point you in the right direction.
# Explore the other channels for our team on Keybase, and join the ones that are of interest to you. For a start, consider joining <code>#proposals</code>, <code>#dev</code>, <code>#growth</code>, and <code>#dev-onboarding</code> (if you’re a developer).

== Code: stored in GitHub ==

Disregard these developer-oriented items if you're not looking to contribute code.

# Watch the following repositories on GitHub: [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq core software], [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/discussions discussions], [https://github.com/bisq-network/proposals proposals], [https://github.com/bisq-network/growth growth], [https://github.com/bisq-network/roles roles] and [https://github.com/bisq-network/compensation compensation].
# Read the [https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq/blob/master/docs/README.md developer docs] to set up a Bisq development environment.
# Read [https://chris.beams.io/posts/git-commit How to Write a Git Commit Message] and follow its [https://chris.beams.io/posts/git-commit/#7-rules 7 rules] when contributing to Bisq projects.
# Get set up to [https://help.github.com/articles/signing-commits-using-gpg/ Sign your Git Commits] with GPG. Any commits to any Bisq repository must be signed.

== Learn how we work ==

# Read about [[Project_management|Bisq’s project management process]].
# Familiarize yourself with [https://ossec-docs.readthedocs.io/en/latest/docs/development/oRFC/orfc-1.html C4: The Collective Code Construction Contract]. It’s a simple set of collaboration rules based on GitHub’s fork+pull request model, and a foundational part of how we work together.
# For more context on C4 and the principles behind it, read author Pieter Hintjens' short book, [https://www.gitbook.com/?utm_source=legacy&utm_medium=redirect&utm_campaign=close_legacy Social Architecture].
# To understand the fundamentals of Bisq's mission and motivations, read the introductory wiki articles on [[Introduction|Bisq]] and the [[Introduction_to_the_DAO|Bisq DAO]].
# To understand Bisq’s commitment to radical transparency and radical honesty, read Part III of [https://www.amazon.com/Principles-Life-Work-Ray-Dalio/dp/1501124021/ Ray Dalio’s Principles].
# To get inspired about what building software in a non-hierarchical organization can be like (and what it requires of everyone involved), read the [https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/apps/valve/Valve_NewEmployeeHandbook.pdf Valve Employee Handbook].

== Get connected social media and e-mail==

# Browse and subscribe to the [https://www.youtube.com/c/bisq-network Bisq YouTube channel] to catch up on meetings we hold, tutorials we publish, technical sessions, and more.
# Follow [https://twitter.com/bisq_network @bisq_network] on Twitter, or on any of the other channels listed [https://bisq.network/#community on the bottom of the website]: forum, Telegram, Matrix, Mastodon, etc.
# Subscribe to the [https://lists.bisq.network/listinfo/bisq-contrib bisq-contrib] mailing list for low-frequency, high-priority contributor communications.

If you decide to proceed and start contributing, you'll want to join Bisq's GitHub organization so you can be assigned to issues:

# Request an invite to the [https://github.com/bisq-network @bisq-network GitHub organization] on Keybase. An admin will get you set up. Doing this makes it possible to add you to the [https://github.com/orgs/bisq-network/teams @bisq-network/contributors] team and to assign you to GitHub issues.
# After accepting your GitHub invitation, consider changing your [https://github.com/orgs/bisq-network/people membership visibility] from <code>private</code> to <code>public</code>. This helps others know at a glance roughly how many contributors are involved with Bisq.

== Do valuable work and get compensated ==

After browsing GitHub repositories and Keybase discussions, you will start to develop a sense for what's happening, what's needed, and where you can help:

# '''Find a problem somewhere in Bisq-land''' that (a) needs fixing and (b) is a match for your skills and interests. Browse critical bugs, open bounties, follow chats on Keybase and the forums, and ask around about what other contributors think needs fixing.
# '''Get assigned to an issue''' or have your initiative acknowledged in some other way. While you don’t strictly need anybody’s permission to do anything for Bisq, you’ll want to make sure there's buy-in from other contributors so your work is received well. Otherwise, there are no guarantees that your work will be merged, reviewed, or eligible for compensation.
# '''Do work to fix that problem'''. Submit your fix for review with a pull request (for code and documentation changes) or with a GitHub issue (for everything else).
# '''Request that others review your work'''. The best way to do this is by writing good commit comments and pull request/issue descriptions that clearly explain the problem your work is intended to solve, why it’s important, and why you fixed it the way you did. Make it as easy as possible for others to review your work. Make it a pleasure for others to review your work.
# '''Incorporate review feedback''' you get until your fix gets merged or is otherwise accepted.
# '''Repeat''' steps 1–5.
# [[compensation|Submit a compensation request]] toward the end of the cycle.

{{Admonition Note|As you'll see from browsing the various repositories on GitHub, changes to Bisq are almost always discussed publicly. This helps maintain Bisq's commitment to transparency, invites feedback to improve the quality of contributions, and it helps keep compensation honest. '''Always try to make sure your work is documented somewhere so others can follow its progress and offer feedback.'''}}

Ultimately, please remember that all Bisq contributors participate on a voluntary basis, and the more energy and quality you bring to the table, the more existing contributors will be encouraged to pay you attention.

Regarding development, keep in mind that reviewing other contributors' work can be highly valuable as well (both to the project, and also to yourself as a way to learn how Bisq works). Quality code reviews are eligible for compensation just like any other contribution.

File:BisqTeamsView.jpg

2021-08-22T10:56:40Z

Willygoldman: