Following the decision by Bitcoin Core developers to remove the OP_RETURN size limit, there has been a notable increase in users of Bitcoin Knots.
User Shift to Bitcoin Knots
In recent days, Bitcoin (BTC) node users are leaving Bitcoin Core for Bitcoin Knots, a conservative version of the software maintained by Luke Dashjr. According to the tracking service Coin Dance, the number of Bitcoin Knots nodes has soared dramatically. In the past two weeks, this metric has increased by over 137%, reaching an all-time high of 1,890 nodes.
Changes in Bitcoin Core and Their Implications
The developers of Bitcoin Core decided to retire the OP_RETURN size limit, allowing Bitcoin (BTC) to handle new categories of data, such as pictures and text. This change was supported by figures like Satoshi candidate Peter Todd and the BlockStream team. However, more conservative users believe that such radical changes could strip Bitcoin of its uniqueness.
Community Discussions Among Bitcoin Enthusiasts
Active discussions are taking place among the Bitcoin community regarding these changes. For instance, JAN3 CEO Samson Mow criticized the update. Veteran Bitcoin Jameson Lopp emphasized that opting for lesser-known implementations might serve as a form of protest against voluntary changes, yet many are either unmaintained or run by only one or two individuals.
The sharp increase in Bitcoin Knots users following the removal of the OP_RETURN limit highlights the ongoing debate about Bitcoin's future and potential development paths.
