The new version introduces preliminary support for an optional v2 protocol, known as BIP324, to optimize peer-to-peer connectivity without compromising existing legacy protocol operations. This measure is expected to bolster defenses against eclipse attacks, which can isolate a node from the rest of the network, thereby compromising its functionality.
In addition to security upgrades, Bitcoin Core v26.0 integrates loadtxoutset RPC (NYSE:RES) to expedite node bootstrapping using UTXO snapshots. This development is anticipated to reduce synchronization times significantly, offering a more efficient experience for users joining the network.
RPC improvements in this update also enhance the monitoring of node synchronization through getchainstates and provide advanced Taproot integration for wallets, further strengthening the overall Bitcoin infrastructure.
Looking ahead, developers have indicated that the forthcoming v27 update may address the issues caused by Bitcoin Ordinals—unique satoshis that have led to blockchain bloat and elevated transaction fees by exploiting vulnerabilities in transaction data size limits since 2013. These Ordinals have been encoded with extra data disguised as program code, circumventing existing restrictions.
Despite a minor drop of 5.2% following the release, ORDI—a notable BRC-20 token linked to Ordinals—has experienced a remarkable surge of approximately 680% over the past month.
The community remains divided on the value of Ordinals. Some see them as a creative expression within the Bitcoin ecosystem, while others argue for preserving Bitcoin’s primary function as a digital currency free from such burdensome innovations.
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Source: Cryptocurrency - investing.com
