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What is OP_NET?

OP_NET is a metaprotocol built directly on Bitcoin. It enables smart contracts, tokens, NFTs, and decentralized applications — without needing any sidechain, rollup, or wrapped BTC.

How It Works​

OP_NET leverages native Bitcoin transactions and SegWit outputs (specifically version OP_16) to execute logic at the UTXO level. It works through:

  • Smart contracts compiled to WebAssembly (Wasm)
  • Scripts deployed to Bitcoin using op1... addresses (P2OP)
  • A runtime that enforces logic deterministically off-chain
  • A node implementation (opnet-node) that validates contracts and manages execution

Unlike Ethereum or other chains, OP_NET doesn't add consensus rules to Bitcoin. It stays 100% within Bitcoin’s ruleset.

What is P2OP?​

P2OP (Pay-to-OPNet) is a new Bitcoin address type used to store and reference smart contracts.

  • Starts with op1... (SegWit v16 address)
  • Treated as anyone-can-spend by current Bitcoin nodes
  • Cleaned automatically by miners (no UTXO bloat)
  • Compatible with future Bitcoin upgrades (soft-fork ready)

This makes OP_NET efficient and sustainable long-term.

Smart Contracts on OP_NET​

Smart contracts are written in AssemblyScript, compiled to Wasm, and deployed to a op1... address.

Contracts can:

  • Store data
  • Transfer assets
  • Handle token logic (e.g., OP_20)
  • Interact with each other

Execution is deterministic, and powered by a virtual machine running inside the opnet-node.

Tokens on OP_NET​

OP_NET introduces the OP_20 standard — similar to ERC-20 on Ethereum.

  • Fully fungible
  • Transferable between accounts
  • Built using smart contracts

Is OP_NET a Layer 2?​

No. OP_NET is not a Layer 2, sidechain, or rollup.

There’s no bridge, no wrapped assets, and no new consensus.
Everything runs on Bitcoin, using standard UTXOs and SegWit outputs.

What About Security?​

Security on OP_NET is enforced by:

  • Bitcoin miners (who include the contract calls)
  • Deterministic contract execution (Wasm + state validation)
  • Off-chain full nodes (opnet-node) to verify all rules

There is no way to bypass Bitcoin’s native rules — it’s trustless by design.

Why Use OP_NET?​

  • True Bitcoin-native contracts
  • No wrapped BTC
  • No L2 risk
  • Clean, scalable UTXO handling
  • Real smart contract composability
  • Support for tokens, NFTs, DeFi, and more
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