Bitcoin, often hailed as the epitome of security and decentralization, has long adhered to the principle of protocol ossification. This deliberate rigidity minimizes updates to the core protocol, prioritizing stability and security over rapid evolution. While this approach has safeguarded Bitcoin’s foundational code, it has also constrained the scope for introducing new features. However, Rusty Russell, a prominent developer at Blockstream, seeks to challenge this narrative with an ambitious initiative: the Bitcoin Script Restoration Project.
The Script Language: Bitcoin’s Programmable Foundation
Bitcoin transactions are not just about transferring value—they can also include programmable conditions through a scripting language aptly named Script. Much like Ethereum’s Solidity, Bitcoin Script enables developers to define specific spending conditions, adding a layer of programmability to Bitcoin. For example, multisignature transactions and time locks are implemented using Script.
However, Bitcoin’s scripting capabilities are intentionally limited. The language avoids Turing-completeness to ensure simplicity and prevent vulnerabilities like infinite loops. Yet, in Bitcoin’s early days, Script offered far greater functionality…
