Bitcoin TLDR

#106

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Summary

Dec 1 - Dec 5, 2025

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Craig Raw introduced a Bitcoin Improvement Proposal (BIP) aimed at enhancing silent payments and wallet interoperability in the Bitcoin ecosystem through a novel top-level script expression, sp(), facilitating efficient backup, recovery processes, and transaction streamlining. This proposal, detailed on the Bitcoin BIPs GitHub, introduces key expressions for merging private and public keys in transactions and suggests an optional block height specification to optimize the scanning process for wallets.

Discussions on managing network traffic for Bitcoin nodes highlighted the need for better segregation of traffic types to enhance the security and efficiency of nodes, particularly for those in the Lightning Network. Suggestions include utilizing signaling capabilities within the ADDR/ADDRv2 service bits or VERSION message for improved traffic classification and optimizing resource use by isolating traffic types into separate processes, as discussed in the Bitcoin GitHub repository.

Salvatoshi introduced Vanadium, a RISC-V Virtual Machine designed for firmware applications in hardware signing devices, offering an innovative solution to traditional embedded development challenges. Vanadium facilitates the execution of "V-Apps" within a secure enclave, significantly simplifying development by outsourcing memory needs and enhancing security through encrypted page swaps. This approach, detailed on LedgerHQ's GitHub, represents a significant leap in embedded development for cryptographic applications, despite acknowledging areas for improvement in memory access patterns and the need for a comprehensive audit.

Halseth presented a prototype for a Bitcoin vault-like security scheme using blinded co-signers and the Musig2 multi-signature protocol to protect fund movements on the blockchain through Zero-Knowledge proofs. This innovative approach, aimed at enhancing transaction security, is documented on GitHub, offering a detailed exploration of the prototype designed for regtest and signet testing environments, with future improvements focused on reducing the proving time for ZK proofs.

Active Discussions

Motion to Activate BIP 3

30 replies

By Murch

Involving Greg Maxwell, Jon Atack+17 others

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Original post on November 5, 2025 01:10 UTC

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Last reply on December 10, 2025 00:56 UTC

bitcoin-dev

  • The BIP review process decision-making is collective, emphasizing collaboration and multiple stakeholder involvement.

  • A proposal for amendment by two non-author BIP Editors may hinder adding more Editors due to their traditionally low numbers.

  • The activation of BIP 3 and broader governance discussions reflect the complexity of decentralized development in the Bitcoin community.

A safe way to remove objectionable content from the blockchain

12 replies

By waxwing/ AdamISZ

Involving Erik Aronesty, Greg Maxwell+4 others

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Original post on November 20, 2025 01:57 UTC

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Last reply on December 9, 2025 19:32 UTC

bitcoin-dev

  • The discussion analyzes Zero-Knowledge Proofs in blockchain for preventing arbitrary data publication.

  • OpenTimestamps uses cryptographic proofs for data integrity, showcasing applications beyond traditional use cases.

  • Skepticism exists on mitigating Zero-Knowledge Proof exploits in decentralized blockchains, similar to merge mining issues.

Great Consensus Cleanup Revival

87 replies

By sjors

Involving AntoineP, ajtowns+14 others

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Original post on March 24, 2024 19:53 UTC

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Last reply on December 4, 2025 14:33 UTC

delvingbitcoin

  • Block space management and optimization are key for Bitcoin mining efficiency and profitability.

  • Ocean Pool adopts unique practices with larger coinbase sizes, differing from general coinbase size variability.

  • Despite potential space adjustments, adding 15 to 31 bytes in coinbase transactions minimally impacts mining revenue.

Stats on compact block reconstructions

49 replies

By polespinasa

Involving 0xB10C, ajtowns+11 others

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Original post on August 2, 2024 12:08 UTC

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Last reply on December 2, 2025 11:51 UTC

delvingbitcoin

  • Orphan transactions are separated from parent blocks, often due to network issues.

  • Inefficiencies noted in re-requesting transactions already in the system, suggesting management issues.

  • Proposals suggest improving transaction handling by optimizing interactions between orphanage and extrapool.

Gossip Observer: New project to monitor the Lightning P2P network

13 replies

By jonhbit

Involving rustyrussell, gmaxwell

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Original post on November 14, 2025 20:48 UTC

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Last reply on December 18, 2025 08:07 UTC

delvingbitcoin

  • Innovative encoding strategies for blockchain updates aim to overcome current limitations.

  • Encoding improvements and reconciliation protocols seek to enhance efficiency and network robustness.

  • Emphasis on testing and real-world adaptability highlights the path towards iterative improvements.

BIP352 private key formats

11 replies

By craigraw

Involving junderw, pyth+2 others

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Original post on October 25, 2025 00:43 UTC

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Last reply on December 3, 2025 11:19 UTC

delvingbitcoin

  • A new BIP proposes the `sp()` output descriptor format for better information encapsulation.

  • This proposal builds on ideas from a previous PR, aiming to enhance Bitcoin's tech structure.

  • The `sp()` format is expected to optimize data interaction and clarity in the Bitcoin ecosystem.

Benchmarking Bitcoin Script Evaluation for the Varops Budget (Great Script Restoration)

10 replies

By Julian

Involving instagibbs, ajtowns+1 other

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Original post on November 7, 2025 15:14 UTC

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Last reply on December 18, 2025 00:56 UTC

delvingbitcoin

  • New Bitcoin opcodes enable significant computational capabilities, such as zero-knowledge proofs.

  • Implementing these proofs requires extensive operations, raising concerns about practicality and compatibility.

  • Despite potential for innovation, there's caution over network security and managing computational load.

Optimistic mining tip (slow block propagation)

6 replies

By mcelrath

Involving optout, AntoineP

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Original post on December 3, 2025 10:41 UTC

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Last reply on December 5, 2025 15:10 UTC

delvingbitcoin

  • "Headers first mining" contributes to Bitcoin's empty block issue, relying on unvalidated block validity.

  • Braidpool offers a solution with a committed mempool for faster, deterministic block validation.

  • Despite efficiency gains, Braidpool's approach faces a 51% attack risk, though it aims for safe universal adoption.

Disclosure: Critical vulnerabilities fixed in LND 0.19.0

5 replies

By AntoineP

Involving morehouse, ariard+1 other

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Original post on December 4, 2025 20:02 UTC

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Last reply on December 6, 2025 15:31 UTC

delvingbitcoin

  • Responsible disclosure in cybersecurity, especially in LND, is crucial for user safety.

  • Identifying vulnerabilities prevents potential financial losses and maintains the Lightning network's integrity.

  • Collaboration among developers, researchers, and the community is vital for ongoing Lightning network security.

BIP-119 (OP_CHECKT - EMPLATEVERIFY)(no activation)

3 replies

By moonsettler

Involving ariard, marathon-gary

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Original post on March 5, 2025 17:21 UTC

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Last reply on December 2, 2025 01:24 UTC

delvingbitcoin

  • The discussion explores integrating OP_CSFS into blockchains to alter miner incentives.

  • It highlights the need for examples demonstrating the practical use of these primitives.

  • There's an emphasis on analyzing their impact on blockchain security and functionality.

Outgoing Reputation: Simulation Results and Updates

1 reply

By ClaraShk

Involving carla

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Original post on October 17, 2025 18:20 UTC

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Last reply on December 1, 2025 14:50 UTC

delvingbitcoin

  • Concerns exist about attackers manipulating Lightning Network's reputation through timed responses.

  • Analysis shows an attacker's impact on reputation is minimal, with substantial costs incurred.

  • The network's resilience is highlighted, minimizing the viability of such manipulation tactics.

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