In a Twitter space hosted by Bitcoin developer Udi Wertheimer, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin expressed his belief that the Bitcoin network should adopt scalable solutions like zero-knowledge (ZK) rollups to evolve beyond being solely a payment network. During the discussion centered around Ethereum’s scaling experiments, Buterin highlighted how Ethereum has successfully integrated various scaling solutions over time and emphasized the significant advancements achieved through experiments with ZK rollups and Plasma.
ZK-rollup chains are off-chain protocols built on top of the Ethereum blockchain and managed by on-chain Ethereum smart contracts. These chains offer faster and more scalable transaction verification while preserving user privacy by not sharing critical information. Buterin cited Optimism and Arbitrum as successful examples of ‘rollups’ that could serve as case studies for Bitcoin.
Buterin emphasized the necessity for Bitcoin to embrace additional scaling solutions in order to expand its functionality beyond payments. Over the years, scalability has been a persistent topic of discussion for both Bitcoin and Ethereum. While Ethereum has transitioned from a proof-of-work to a proof-of-stake network and explored layer-2 solutions like ZK roll-ups and Plasma, Bitcoin has relied on its lightning network as a layer-2 solution for scalability. Recently, Bitcoin ordinals, a layer-2 solution facilitating decentralized storage of digital art on the Bitcoin blockchain, have gained traction and contributed to the network’s growth beyond serving as a payment layer.
Praising the advent of ordinals, Buterin applauded their impact on revitalizing the builder culture within the Bitcoin ecosystem. As of June, Bitcoin ordinals had generated trading volumes exceeding $210 million, showcasing their rapid rise in popularity.
Overall, Buterin’s call for layer-2 solutions on Bitcoin aligns with the ongoing effort to enhance scalability in both Ethereum and Bitcoin networks. By leveraging successful examples from Ethereum’s scaling experiments, such as ZK rollups, Buterin aims to encourage the adoption of similar solutions within the Bitcoin ecosystem. This push for scalability solutions reflects the ever-evolving nature of blockchain technology and its potential to transform various industries.