• Dapps:16.23K
  • Blockchains:78
  • Active users:66.47M
  • 30d volume:$303.26B
  • 30d transactions:$879.24M

OP_CAT: The Future of Bitcoin or a New Challenge for the Network?

user avatar

by Giorgi Kostiuk

a year ago


  1. Introduction to OP_CAT
  2. Advantages and Risks of OP_CAT
  3. Expert Opinions

  4. The Bitcoin developer community has spent several months discussing the proposal to implement OP_CAT, which many consider to be the next evolution of cryptocurrency.

    Introduction to OP_CAT

    OP_CAT is an old Bitcoin opcode initially created to concatenate two pieces of data. It was removed by Satoshi Nakamoto in 2010 due to security concerns but was reintroduced in 2023 through BIP 347 to handle more complex data structures, like Merkle trees, significantly enhancing its functionality.

    Advantages and Risks of OP_CAT

    However, some developers, such as Robin Linus, have reservations about OP_CAT. In his article 'Prevent the CATastrophe,' Linus explains that OP_CAT can introduce risks that proponents tend to downplay. Among other things, he mentions that the addition could greatly alter incentives for miners and the overall network's security.

    > 'The design space for OP_CAT-based DeFi applications on Bitcoin is largely unexplored, and we cannot foresee all the innovations that might emerge and how they affect MEV (maximal extractable value),' said Linus.

    The design space for OP_CAT-based DeFi applications on Bitcoin is largely unexplored, and we cannot foresee all the innovations that might emerge and how they affect MEV (maximal extractable value).Robin Linus

    Expert Opinions

    Nevertheless, many value Bitcoin's simple code and resistance to change as a cornerstone of security and purity. OP_CAT supporters often emphasize that the change involves only 10 lines of new code and simply reintroduces old technology, thus minimizing attack vectors.

    > 'The fact that you might not immediately exploit these 10 lines does not mean that OP_CAT won’t interfere with the broader system and its incentive structures,' countered Linus.

    In a message to CryptoPotato, OP_CAT supporter Bob Bodily agreed with Linus’s criticism regarding covenants introduced by OP_CAT. However, he notes that OP_CAT is a 'lower-level primitive' offering far more than just covenants.

    The fact that you might not immediately exploit these 10 lines does not mean that OP_CAT won’t interfere with the broader system and its incentive structures.Robin Linus

    The introduction of OP_CAT has sparked lively debates within the Bitcoin developer community. While some believe it will improve the network's functionality, others are concerned about potential risks to security and miner incentives. It remains to be seen how these discussions will impact the future development of the cryptocurrency.

0

Rewards

chest
chest
chest
chest

More rewards

Discover enhanced rewards on our social media.

Other news

July 2025: How Market Volatility Provides Opportunities for Options Trading

chest

July was marked by volatility in the cryptocurrency markets due to changes in central bank policies and a surge in ETF interest.

user avatarGiorgi Kostiuk

Hedera Hashgraph (HBAR): Potential and Undervaluation in the Cryptocurrency Market

chest

Hedera Hashgraph may be an undervalued cryptocurrency, supported by notable investors like Kevin O'Leary.

user avatarGiorgi Kostiuk

Metaplanet Leads in Trading Volume in Japan, Surpassing Toyota and Sony

chest

Metaplanet's stock trading volume in June 2025 reached $11.6 billion, exceeding that of Toyota and Sony.

user avatarGiorgi Kostiuk

Binance Signals Possible Delisting for Three Tokens

chest

Binance reviews potential removal of three tokens due to non-compliance with listing standards.

user avatarGiorgi Kostiuk

BridgePort Secures $3.2 Million for Crypto Infrastructure Development

chest

BridgePort raised $3.2 million to enhance its infrastructure, with no direct impact on tokens identified.

user avatarGiorgi Kostiuk

Approval of Dubai's First Tokenized Money Market Fund

chest

Dubai has approved its first tokenized money market fund, enhancing its status in digital finance.

user avatarGiorgi Kostiuk
dapp expert logo
© 2020-2025. DappExpert. All rights reserved.
© 2020-2025. DappExpert. All rights reserved.

Important disclaimer: The information presented on the Dapp.Expert portal is intended solely for informational purposes and does not constitute an investment recommendation or a guide to action in the field of cryptocurrencies. The Dapp.Expert team is not responsible for any potential losses or missed profits associated with the use of materials published on the site. Before making investment decisions in cryptocurrencies, we recommend consulting a qualified financial advisor.