Bitcoin Core v26.0 Released, v27 Could Terminate Bitcoin Ordinals
The latest major release of the Bitcoin Core software, version 26.0, is now available. The upgrade includes changes that will improve network connectivity and syncing speed for nodes. Bitcoin developers have indicated that the next release, v27, may put an end to the controversial Bitcoin Ordinals, however.
The v26.0 update comes with several optimizations that improve networking connectivity and initial blockchain syncing speeds for nodes.
Key features in Bitcoin Core v26.0 include preliminary support for a new network data transport protocol, increased resilience against eclipse attacks, faster node bootstrapping with UTXO snapshots, and a variety of RPC (Remote Procedure Calls) enhancements.
The new transport protocol referred to as v2 is opt-in for now but allows upgraded nodes to take advantage of better peer connectivity if both parties have v2 enabled. The default legacy protocol is still fully supported.
Bitcoin Core v26.0 also helps nodes stay connected to multiple networks simultaneously, preventing isolation and eclipse attacks where peers are unable to maintain diverse connections.
One of the biggest additions in this release is loadtxoutset RPC which can utilize UTXO snapshots to bootstrap a node in minutes instead of hours. This brings usable nodes online instantly rather than waiting for full sync.
Additionally, several RPCs have been added or updated including getchainstates to monitor sync progress and improved Taproot support for certain wallet functions.
Bitcoin Ordinals are satoshis (the smallest unit of Bitcoin) that have been digitally inscribed with text or an image to make them unique collectibles — essentially Bitcoin-based NFTs.
They were introduced in January 2023 by Casey Rodarmor but have become
Read more on cryptonews.com
