delvingbitcoin

Segwit Ephemeral Anchors

Segwit Ephemeral Anchors

Original Postby stevenroose

Posted on: November 13, 2023 05:25 UTC

The discussion revolves around the implementation of BIP141's softfork for witness programs to achieve a specific functionality in Bitcoin scripting.

The proposal involves replacing the script "OP_TRUE" with "OP_TRUE 0xffff" to trigger a specific rule within BIP141, which seems to introduce some confusion regarding its purpose and functionality. The original query points out a lack of understanding about the utilization of an "otherwise undefined witness program" as mentioned, questioning the necessity and function of such an approach.

The crux of the confusion lies in the interpretation of BIP141, particularly how it deals with OP_TRUE scripts and their malleable versions. There's a suggestion to redefine version 1 (v1) witness programs that are not the standard 32 bytes in length by possibly standardizing a v1 program that is only 1 byte in size. This would involve setting a fixed value for that single byte, effectively making it equivalent to an "anyone-can-spend" scenario, similar in outcome to using OP_TRUE.

This exploration suggests an innovative approach to Bitcoin scripting, leveraging the flexibility within BIP141 to potentially create more efficient or secure transaction mechanisms. By questioning the conventional use of witness programs and suggesting alternatives, the dialogue opens up possibilities for further experimentation and development within the Bitcoin protocol, specifically in terms of transaction malleability and security.