Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin recently voiced his support for the implementation of layer-2 solutions in the Bitcoin network, drawing inspiration from Ethereum’s own scaling experiments.
During a Twitter Space session hosted by Bitcoin developer Udi Wertheimer, Buterin emphasized the need for scalable solutions, such as zero-knowledge rollups (ZK-rollups). This is to propel Bitcoin beyond its current role as a payment network.
Ethereum’s Scalability Solutions as a Model for Bitcoin
Buterin further highlighted the successful integration of various scaling solutions by Ethereum, including Optimism and Arbitrum. These rollups have significantly increased throughput and serve as compelling case studies for Bitcoin’s exploration of similar techniques.
Buterin stated,
“I think if we want Bitcoin to be more than payments, it needs more scaling solutions.”
ZK-rollups is an off-chain protocol operating atop the Ethereum blockchain and governed by on-chain Ethereum smart contracts. It offers a more efficient and expedited approach to verifying transactions without compromising critical user information. Buterin underscored their potential in addressing Bitcoin’s scalability challenges, urging the network to consider their adoption.
The Ongoing Debate on Scalability
Scalability has remained a central topic of discussion for both the Bitcoin and Ethereum communities throughout their evolution. While Ethereum has transitioned from a proof-of-work to a proof-of-stake network and continues to experiment with layer-2 solutions like ZK-rollups and Plasma, Bitcoin has leveraged its Lightning Network as a layer-2 solution to enhance scalability.
Recently, Bitcoin Ordinals have emerged as a crucial development, elevating Bitcoin’s capabilities beyond a mere payment layer.
Bitcoin Ordinals and the Revitalization of the Builder Culture
Additionally, Buterin praised the rise of Bitcoin Ordinals, recognizing their impact on revitalizing the builder culture within the Bitcoin ecosystem. Ordinals, a latest layer-2 solution, enable decentralized storage of digital art on the Bitcoin blockchain. The widespread adoption of Ordinals has been swift, with trading volume surpassing $210 million by the end of June.
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