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Native Bitcoin

Introduction​

Bitcoin is the world’s most secure digital cash network—but until now, it’s been hard to build apps or tokens on top of it. OP_NET changes that by plugging directly into Bitcoin’s existing rules and data model. There’s no new blockchain to learn or wrap; you get:

  • Smart contracts that run alongside your BTC.
  • Tokens and NFTs issued in satoshis, not wrapped coins.
  • dApps that read and write Bitcoin’s UTXO ledger without any protocol changes.

Under the hood, OP_NET treats each UTXO as a tiny on-chain “object” and uses WebAssembly to execute code off-chain, then commits the results back into normal Bitcoin transactions. That means you keep all of Bitcoin’s security and decentralization, plus a full suite of modern blockchain features—without leaving Bitcoin.

Key Points

OP_NET runs entirely within Bitcoin’s existing protocol and fee system, so your apps stay compatible with Bitcoin Core and benefit from Bitcoin’s battle-tested security.

What Does "Native Bitcoin" Mean?​

Key Characteristics of Native Bitcoin
  • Direct Integration: OP_NET operates on Bitcoin’s base layer, using its UTXO model for state management and contract execution.
  • No Forks or Modifications: OP_NET does not require any changes to Bitcoin’s protocol.
  • Gas Fees in Satoshis: All transaction fees are paid in Bitcoin, ensuring simplicity and consistency for users and developers.

Why Use Bitcoin Natively?​

Rock-Solid Security​

Bitcoin’s proof-of-work consensus is the most battle-tested in crypto. By running OP_NET atop Bitcoin:

  • Immutable Finality: Every contract and token state is anchored by Bitcoin miners-no separate security assumptions.
  • Permissionless Validation: Anyone can run a full node to independently verify OP_NET transactions.

Unmatched Decentralization​

Bitcoin’s global network of nodes and miners means:

  • Censorship Resistance: No single party can block or reverse transactions.
  • Open Participation: Developers and users worldwide join without special hardware or approvals.

Proven Uptime & Stability​

With over a decade of continuous operation:

  • Network Durability: Bitcoin has never halted-your dApps inherit this 24/7 availability.
  • Mature Tooling: Leverage existing Bitcoin wallets, explorers, and infrastructure without learning new protocols.

How OP_NET Leverages Bitcoin​

OP_NET builds directly on Bitcoin’s existing features, no forks or sidechains by using two key mechanisms:

1. Tapscript for Smart Contracts​

  • What it is: Tapscript is Bitcoin’s upgraded scripting language under Taproot.
  • Why it matters: OP_NET uses Tapscript to run more complex logic (loops, conditionals, function calls) while still fitting within Bitcoin’s lightweight design.
  • Bottom line: You get the flexibility of smart contracts without changing Bitcoin’s core rules.

2. Gas Fees in Satoshis​

  • Fee model: Every OP_NET operation costs a small amount of Bitcoin (satoshis) per byte of data processed.
  • Base fee: Covers the work of publishing transactions and any contract execution.
  • Priority fee: You can add extra satoshis to encourage miners to include your transaction sooner.
caution

Actual fees depend on network congestion. High activity means higher satoshi-per-byte rates for both base and priority fees.

Use Cases Enabled by Native Bitcoin​

1. Decentralized Applications (dApps)​

Developers can build dApps that interact directly with Bitcoin’s UTXOs, ensuring security and scalability.

2. Tokenization​

OP_NET supports token standards like OP_20 and OP_721, enabling the creation of fungible and non-fungible assets directly on Bitcoin.

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