Posted by Greg Maxwell
Nov 29, 2025/18:15 UTC
In an engaging discussion on the technical aspects of cryptographic operations within Bitcoin's development framework, a crucial point was made regarding the limitations inherent in using secp256k1 for certain cryptographic processes. Specifically, it was highlighted that performing pairing on secp256k1 is not feasible due to the difficulty of the Decisional Diffie-Hellman (DDH) problem within this group. This limitation effectively rules out the application of Boneh-Lynn-Shacham (BLS) signatures in this context.
The conversation further touched upon the importance of accurately presenting and crediting the ideas within the academic and development communities. The suggestion was made that a more careful approach in representing the work and thoughts of others could potentially reduce the occurrence of technical inaccuracies. This advice is particularly pertinent in fields like cryptocurrency development, where innovation and intellectual honesty are paramount.
Moreover, the exchange underscores the vibrant and rigorous nature of discussions within the Bitcoin Development Mailing List, a forum subscribed to by individuals keen on the technical and theoretical advancements in Bitcoin. This environment fosters a culture of critical analysis and constructive critique among its participants, contributing significantly to the evolution of Bitcoin's technological infrastructure.
The detailed conversation, while technical, illuminates the complexities and challenges faced by developers working on the cryptographic foundations of digital currencies. It also serves as a reminder of the collaborative effort required to push the boundaries of what is technically feasible within the realm of cryptocurrency.
Thread Summary (16 replies)
Nov 20 - Dec 10, 2025
17 messages • 16 replies
TLDR
We’ll email you summaries of the latest discussions from high signal bitcoin sources, like bitcoin-dev, lightning-dev, and Delving Bitcoin.
We'd love to hear your feedback on this project.
Give Feedback