BitcoinOS has taken a major step forward by open sourcing the BitSNARK verification protocol, marking a pivotal moment in Bitcoin’s development. Today, we’ll look at what exactly this means and why open sourcing the BitSNARK verification protocol is a groundbreaking move in zero-knowledge cryptography on the Bitcoin mainnet.
What is the BitSNARK verification protocol?
The BitSNARK Verification Protocol is a system that allows zk-SNARK proofs to be performed on the Bitcoin network without changing the Bitcoin Core protocol. This innovation makes it possible to run more complex decentralized applications and chains on the world’s most secure blockchain.
A technology built on the BitVM paradigm proposed by Robin Linus in his December 2023 paper that allows Turing-complete smart contracts to be expressed on Bitcoin.
BitSNARKs are enhanced by improving program size and reducing challenge/response length, making it a more efficient system that meets the specific needs of Rollup bridges.
As BitcoinOS (BOS) has open-sourced the zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) verification protocol.
Why are zk-SNARKs important?
A zk-SNARK is a cryptographic proof that enables one party (the prover) to prove to another party (the verifier) that they know specific information or that a computation was performed correctly, without revealing any other details about the computation itself.
In July, BOS verified Bitcoin’s first zero-knowledge proof at block height 853626. The open source of BitSNARK v0.1 provides developers with tools to implement advanced cryptographic proofs on Bitcoin.
How does the BitSNARK protocol work?
BitSNARK is designed as a two-party protocol involving a prover and a verifier, where the prover first reveals the inputs to the program and its results, and the verifier can dispute the claim if they believe it is incorrect.
This type of cryptography is essential for compressing large computations into small verifiable proofs, which is crucial in a blockchain environment where block space is a limited resource.
This economic incentive structure ensures honesty as dishonest behavior is punished, the prover loses their stake in BTC, and the validator incurs potential costs if their challenge is unsuccessful.
What to do if there is a discrepancy?
If a discrepancy occurs, rather than rerunning the entire verification, the protocol uses a binary search to determine the exact point of divergence, which typically takes a logarithmic number of steps to resolve. This approach is very efficient and ensures that the verification process remains computationally feasible on the Bitcoin blockchain.
How do Rollups advance Bitcoin?
Rollups are an execution environment that aggregates off-chain transaction data and then rolls it up on the main Bitcoin blockchain.
Through rollups, the Bitcoin network can host a similar execution environment to other blockchains such as Ethereum and Solana, significantly extending its functionality.
Why is BitSNARK verification revolutionary for Bitcoin?
Since its inception, Bitcoin has faced the trilemma of achieving higher scalability, increasing functionality, and maintaining decentralization. The community has long debated whether it is possible to enhance Bitcoin’s functionality without compromising its core principles. The analogy of pulling a blanket to three corners (scalability, functionality, and decentralization) illustrates the difficulty of covering all aspects simultaneously.
This new feature enables decentralized atomic swaps, cross-chain transfers, and integration of smart contract transactions, pushing Bitcoin towards a future where it can interact seamlessly with other blockchain ecosystems.
Unlike other projects introducing zero-knowledge proofs to Bitcoin, BitSNARK’s implementation is unique in that it runs directly on the Bitcoin mainnet without the need for a soft fork.
BOS CEO and co-founder Edan Yago said it turns Bitcoin into a full smart contract platform. “Bitcoin has entered the conversation,” Yago said.
How does BitSNARK compare to other zero-knowledge proof solutions on Bitcoin?
While other projects have made strides in bringing zero-knowledge proofs to Bitcoin, BitSNARK’s mainnet implementation sets it apart. For example, StarkWare verified a ZK proof on Bitcoin’s Signet testnet in June 2024 and aims to improve Bitcoin’s scalability using STARK technology and a soft fork called OP_CAT.
The ZkSync project is developing a zero-knowledge light client for Bitcoin using the potential OP_ZKP OP code, but has not yet achieved mainnet verification.
Ledger’s CTO Charles Guillemet has been an advocate for advancements like OP_CAT or other innovative approaches to verify ZK proofs on the Bitcoin chain, which he believes could enhance Layer 2 solutions and reduce trust in off-chain processing.
How is Bitcoin different from other blockchain technologies?
What distinguishes Bitcoin from newer blockchain technologies like Ethereum and Solana, which are constantly being updated and may experience operational issues, is its stability and reliability, while Bitcoin’s immutability makes it a more stable investment for long-term asset protection.
These new experiments are designed to bring advanced capabilities to Bitcoin, which traditionally has not supported running complex smart contracts or decentralized applications directly on its network, despite the technological advantages of these newer blockchains.
Furthermore, the discussion pointed out an interesting phenomenon in the tech industry: even when new technologies offer significant improvements over older systems, they do not always replace them. In the case of blockchain, Ethereum and similar platforms despite their functionality Advanced, but it does not replace Bitcoin, but coexists with Bitcoin to meet different needs within the ecosystem.
What is the main problem with Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is often viewed as limited in its existing functionality, primarily because you can essentially only hold or sell BTC through exchanges, a limitation that highlights the need for Bitcoin to be more deeply integrated into an active economy if it is intended to function as a reserve currency.
The current model supports Bitcoin’s trillion-dollar valuation because it allows for ownership without intermediaries, high value, and allows for its use at the decentralized financial level.
Bitfinity's Vision: Connecting Bitcoin and Ethereum
Bitfinity’s grand vision revolves around bridging the gap between Bitcoin and Ethereum smart contract capabilities. By leveraging the power of zero-knowledge proof technology, Bitfinity aims to create Bitcoin rollups that solve scalability challenges through batched transaction processing. This approach enhances Bitcoin’s programmability.
Bitfinity EVM: A Game Changer for Bitcoin
Central to the Bitfinity vision is the Bitfinity EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine), a transformative tool that enables the deployment of Ethereum-compatible smart contracts directly on Bitcoin.
The Bitfinity EVM runs as a sidechain, leveraging Internet Computer technology to achieve unparalleled speed and efficiency, surpassing current Ethereum capabilities.
Unlocking cross-chain interoperability
The integration of BitSNARK and the development of the Bitfinity EVM lay the foundation for seamless cross-chain interoperability, and with the ability to perform decentralized atomic swaps and cross-chain transfers, Bitcoin is expected to become an even more integral part of the broader blockchain ecosystem.
This newfound interoperability will open up new avenues for Bitcoin, propelling it toward a future where it can interact fluidly with other blockchain networks.
in conclusion
The introduction of zero-knowledge (ZK) cryptography to Bitcoin is profound, as ZK allows any computing logic (from virtual machines like Solana or Ethereum to programming languages like Solidity, Java or TypeScript) to be integrated into Bitcoin.
With these enhancements, Bitcoin will solidify its position as the foundational technology for the decentralized future, embodying the principle that all decentralized applications will likely run on the Bitcoin network.
For more information about Bitfinity, read:
A quick look at the Bitcoin Layer2 project Bitfinity, compatible with Ethereum EVM
Understanding Bitfinity: Will Bitcoin L2, which has taken the ICP express, also serve as an inscription cross-chain bridge?
#BitSNARK #BitcoinOS #BITFINITY #ICP生态
IC content you care about
Technology Progress | Project Information | Global Activities
Collect and follow IC Binance Channel
Get the latest news
