Fractal Bitcoin
A Recursive Blockchain Computing System
Last updated
A Recursive Blockchain Computing System
Last updated
Fractal Bitcoin is a self-replicating method that extends the Bitcoin network recursively through virtualization. The main goal is to expand the Bitcoin system as a whole using its existing engineering constructs since 2009, without introducing additional constructs from other blockchains.
Fractal Bitcoin is not a form of forking; it processes transactions similar to Bitcoin but across multiple layers. Each tier of Fractal Bitcoin utilizes Bitcoin's implementation, highlighting unique fractal characteristics.
A fractal is a pattern that remains consistent at every scale and repeats itself over time. This fractal structure enables the system to have unlimited processing capacity by continuously expanding into new layers.
The value of Bitcoin, as a single blockchain, comes from its widespread recognition and solid engineering foundation. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain native engineering constructs as much as possible when extending Bitcoin from a single blockchain to a multi-layered system.
The first step is to fully virtualize Bitcoin Core. This involves encapsulating the entire Bitcoin Core into a deployable and runnable blockchain software package called Bitcoin Core Software Package (BCSP). By doing so, we can independently run one or more instances of BCSP with recursive anchoring on the Bitcoin mainnet.
In the evolution of operating systems, there has been a shift to virtualization. Running multiple Guest OSes on the Host OS provides isolation, flexibility, recoverability, and reusability at the operating system level. Modern virtualization enables efficient hardware performance sharing through containerization, allowing multiple instances with minimal host system overhead.
By using Bitcoin Core as the stable host chain, we can achieve blockchain virtualization by customizing BCSP with various parameter sets for multiple guest chains.
Compared to typical Ethereum Layer 2 solutions, this form of virtualization shares both similarities and differences. The similarity lies in the ability to achieve computing scalability beyond the host chain through an additional abstract layer. The difference, however, is that L2 solutions are usually independent of the host chain, whereas bitcoin virtualization inherently maintains consistency with the host chain without establishing new consensus mechanisms.
Over the past 15 years, the development of Bitcoin Core has shown stability and continuity, which has established credibility over time. This credibility is similar to the trust gained during the virtualization of operating systems. The trust in Bitcoin Core effectively extends to its BCSP instances.
The enduring consensus within Bitcoin, maintained by developers, miners, and users over more than a decade, forms the foundation for its continuous existence. This evolving consensus has solidified Bitcoin's position as the most stable value foundation in the industry. Our belief is that expanding by reusing Bitcoin itself, rather than introducing additional constructions, helps protect and preserve this consensus strength.
Unlike historical Bitcoin forks, the implementations of BCSP are based on reusing existing code, rather than disagreements. Over the years, the Bitcoin network has grown from a single node to thousands, making it more robust. Similarly, as the number of Bitcoin virtualized instances increases, the consensus will also become more robust.
By instantiating BCSP multiple times on a single blockchain, we can achieve the coexistence, communication, and coordination of multiple virtualized instances. Furthermore, we can apply the virtualization process recursively to any given instance, enabling unlimited scalability in both horizontal and vertical directions. This approach maintains structural balance and engineering simplicity throughout the process.
Due to its consistency with Bitcoin Core, existing infrastructure, such as wallets, can easily expand to support these newly virtualized instances. This is similar to Ethereum infrastructures, which can easily support networks like Polygon and BSC.
Another benefit of utilizing BCSP recursively is the ability to selectively delegate on-chain interaction demands to deeper layers when a large number of such demands arise. This dynamic balancing capability of the system helps avoid excessive congestion at any specific layer.
