The Bitcoin blockchain\u2019s reputation as a network that mainly supports digital gold may be changing as efforts gain traction to add new features via a software upgrade to its code.<\/p>\n
The front-runner in the upgrade debate is a program called OP_CAT \u2014 a small software tweak that would add about 10 lines to the code that enables linking of two elements together, so-called concatenation.<\/p>\n
If adopted it would open the door to a host of enhancements for Bitcoin users from better coin custody to decentralized-finance apps of the type that are already common on rival blockchains like Ethereum and Solana.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou could actually do smart contracts very similar to what you\u2019d see on other chains,\u201d Udi Wertheimer, chief executive officer of OP_CAT supporter Taproot Wizards, said in an interview.<\/p>\n
\u201cBitcoin could be a lot more than it is,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s time to talk about an actual technical upgrade.\u201d<\/p>\n
Implementing OP_CAT, however, means upgrading the Bitcoin network and that\u2019s a big deal, requiring the community and core developers to sign on to the revamp.<\/p>\n
While rivals like Ethereum complete dramatic upgrades at least once a year, the network for the world\u2019s largest cryptocurrency hasn\u2019t added new functionality since 2021.<\/p>\n
In fact, it\u2019s been left unchanged on purpose, as the fewer the changes, the more likely it is to remain stable and secure, the logic goes.<\/p>\n
Some believe OP_CAT could be the first step toward challenging that notion, and heavyweights in the crypto space are starting to sign onto the idea.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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