Bitcoin Developers Propose Soft Fork-Free Covenant for Network Upgrade

• The ColliderScript proposal allows for covenants in Bitcoin without a soft fork, enhancing its programmability and competitiveness with Ethereum.
• However, it raises concerns about spending restrictions and scalability, requiring further testing and refinement.

A new research paper titled “ColliderScript: Covenants in Bitcoin via 160-bit hash collisions” explores an innovative approach to introducing covenants into Bitcoin, a concept that could elevate Bitcoin’s functionality without requiring a soft fork. As Bitcoin Surges, in a CNF previous post, Bitcoin Spark was Poised To Revolutionize The Bitcoin Fork World

Eli Ben-Sasson, CEO Co-Founder of Stark Ware Ltd, shared in his personal X account the ColliderScript: Advancing Bitcoin covenants without a fork .

ColliderScript: Advancing Bitcoin covenants without a fork https://t.co/ecQfVg6mnR via @Blockworks_

— Eli Ben-Sasson (@EliBenSasson) November 7, 2024

Developed by a team of leading Bitcoin developers, the ColliderScript proposal signifies a shift in how Bitcoin could adopt programmable features, aiming to keep the network competitive amidst rising demand for smart contract capabilities seen on platforms like Ethereum.

This framework presents a method for enhancing programmability, allowing advanced features like improved layer-2 transactions and wallet capabilities without altering Bitcoin’s core codebase.

Potential Impact on Bitcoin Transactions and Smart Contracts

Covenants in Bitcoin could reshape transaction structures by setting specific conditions on how coins can be spent, introducing programmable features akin to Ethereum’s smart contracts. However, therefore  this proposal stirs debate within the Bitcoin community, as it could impose spending restrictions on Bitcoin, a feature traditionally avoided in favor of simplicity and security.

Despite of all  these concerns, proponents believe this step toward greater flexibility and functionality aligns with Bitcoin’s evolution, potentially enabling applications on previously unattainable on the networks.

Community Weighs In on Scalability and Implementation Challenges

The paper’s contributors, including renowned developer Ethan Heilman, underscore the collaborative effort among experts aiming to push Bitcoin’s capabilities further. Still, nevertheless computational costs linked to this proposed covenant structure raise questions about scalability and real-world feasibility.

As the Bitcoin community considers this transformative concept, the next stages will focus on rigorous testing and refinement, setting the stage for potentially groundbreaking updates that enhance Bitcoin’s appeal in a rapidly evolving blockchain ecosystem.

At the time of writing, Bitcoin (BTC) is currently trading at the price of $76,183.10  surged by 1.74% in the past day and 8.68% in the past week. See BTC chart below.