The future of the Bitcoin Core GUI

In the ongoing discussion about the future of the Bitcoin Core GUI, a proposal has been put forward to mark the GUI as being in "maintenance mode." This reflects its current state, where it lacks new features and provides an honest status to users without fully deprecating it. The motivation behind this move is to address the resource allocation within the Bitcoin Core project, aiming to benefit the broader user base rather than a minority who use the Bitcoin Core through its GUI. This stance acknowledges the reality that the GUI's primary purpose is to support existing wallet users rather than to attract new ones with modern features.

There's an argument that if there's a desire for a modern GUI, it should be pursued as a separate project. This would allow for development that does not directly impact the core Bitcoin protocol but still provides necessary interaction options for users. The discussion considers whether Inter-Process Communication (IPC) or Remote Procedure Calls (RPC) would be the best method for this separation. RPC is suggested as a pragmatic choice compatible with existing Bitcoin Core releases, which avoids tight coupling while still catering to everyday users' needs.

Despite these suggestions, there are concerns about completely separating the GUI from the Bitcoin Core project. It's argued that doing so might reduce the node adoption rate and increase security risks by pushing users towards third-party alternatives. However, the counterargument is that the benefits of having a bundled GUI may not outweigh the costs, considering the broader implications for all Bitcoin users. The focus is suggested to be on maintaining and improving the full node, which is crucial for the entire Bitcoin network's integrity.

The GUI currently resides in its own GitHub repository, sharing code, build systems, CI, and release schedules with the main project. For a complete separation, it would need to be independent in terms of releases and source code from the node software. There's a preference expressed for keeping the GUI packaged with Bitcoin Core but maintained separately, implying a structure where maintenance responsibilities are clear yet still providing an 'official' GUI option. This approach aims at balancing between supporting existing users and focusing resources on the core functionalities of the Bitcoin project, moving towards a more decentralized ecosystem of specialized software solutions.