The future of the Bitcoin Core GUI

The discussion revolves around the proposition of removing the graphical user interface (GUI) from a particular project, with the author expressing general support for this idea. The author raises concerns regarding the current state of inter-process communication, suggesting it might be too tightly coupled. They reference ongoing issues highlighted in a specific GitHub issue (https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/issues/29183), indicating a belief that resolving these could enhance support for pruned nodes. This improvement would, in turn, optimize their compatibility with watch-only wallets similar to how Sparrow Wallet operates.

Sparrow Wallet is praised for its user interface but critiqued for not promoting connections to local instances of bitcoin core or integrating it due to the slow and cumbersome wallet rescan process, especially when nodes are pruned. The author suggests that many users would accept a one-time delay (of 1-2 days) for full validation if it meant reduced disk space usage and quicker rescans for adding new wallets thereafter.

In conclusion, the author posits that eliminating the identified barriers could significantly increase the number of Sparrow Wallet users who run bitcoin core locally. Moreover, it could inspire the development of more wallets that similarly integrate with bitcoin core. This argument implies a broader vision for enhancing the functionality and user experience of bitcoin wallets by improving underlying support mechanisms and reducing dependencies on intensive processes.