Bitcoin Core v26.0 Released With Improvements to Networking and Syncing
The latest major release of Bitcoin Core software, version 26.0, is now available. This update brings several optimizations that enhance networking connectivity and 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 various RPC enhancements.
The new transport protocol, known as v2, is optional but allows upgraded nodes to benefit from improved peer connectivity if both parties have v2 enabled. The default legacy protocol is still fully supported.
This release also helps nodes stay connected to multiple networks simultaneously, preventing isolation and eclipse attacks. Additionally, it introduces the loadtxoutset RPC, which can bootstrap a node in minutes using UTXO snapshots.
Several RPCs have been added or updated, including getchainstates to monitor sync progress and improved Taproot support for certain wallet functions.
Bitcoin Ordinals Could Cease with Coming Bitcoin Core v27
Bitcoin Ordinals are unique collectibles that use satoshis (the smallest unit of Bitcoin) inscribed with text or images. However, they have become controversial due to the large amounts of data they aggregate on the Bitcoin blockchain.
While Bitcoin Core v26.0 does not address the issues with Bitcoin Ordinals directly, developers have hinted that the next release, v27, will disable critical functionality needed for new Ordinals to be created.
Luke Dashjr, Founder of OCEAN mining pool and Bitcoin Core contributor, explained that the vulnerability used to create Ordinals has been patched in Bitcoin Knots. Dashjr has been critical of Ordinals, stating that they spam the blockchain and congest the network, leading to increased transaction fees.
Hot Take: Bitcoin Core v26.0 Released, v27 Could Terminate Bitcoin Ordinals
The latest release of Bitcoin Core software, version 26.0, brings significant improvements to networking connectivity and syncing speeds for nodes. It introduces a new transport protocol, enhances resilience against eclipse attacks, and offers faster node bootstrapping with UTXO snapshots. This release also helps nodes maintain diverse connections to multiple networks simultaneously. Additionally, it includes various RPC enhancements and improved Taproot support. However, the next release, v27, may put an end to the controversial Bitcoin Ordinals due to changes that disable critical functionality needed for their creation. Bitcoin Ordinals have been criticized for aggregating large amounts of data on the blockchain and causing network congestion. The pending update aims to address these issues and maintain the stability and reliability of the Bitcoin network.
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