Bitcoin Ordinals Creator Casey Rodarmor Expands Ecosystem with “Runes”

Key Takeaways

Casey Rodarmor, known for Bitcoin Ordinals, introduces “Runes,” a new fungible token protocol for Bitcoin.

“Runes” aims for a simplified user experience and responsible UTXO management.

The announcement comes after the success of Bitcoin Ordinals, another innovative protocol by Rodarmor that transformed satoshis into NFTs.

Casey Rodarmor, who gained prominence for his creation of Bitcoin Ordinals, has announced a new fungible token protocol for Bitcoin named “Runes.” The announcement was made on September 26, 2023, and quickly gained over 250,000 views. This comes after the success of Bitcoin Ordinals, a system that transformed individual satoshis into non-fungible tokens (NFTs), adding another layer of innovation to the Bitcoin blockchain.

The Genesis of Runes

Rodarmor acknowledges the controversial nature of fungible tokens, describing them as mostly “scams and memes.” However, he believes that a well-designed fungible token protocol could bring “significant transaction fee revenue, developer mindshare, and users to Bitcoin.” Runes aims to offer a more streamlined, user-friendly experience while promoting responsible UTXO (Unspent Transaction Output) management, similar to the user-friendly journeys observed in Bitcoin Ordinals.

Technical Aspects of Runes

Runes is designed to be UTXO-based, fitting naturally into Bitcoin’s existing architecture. It aims to avoid the creation of “junk” UTXOs and does not require a native token for protocol operations. The protocol uses OP_RETURN followed by a data push of the ASCII uppercase letter “R” to contain protocol messages in transactions. Invalid protocol messages result in the burning of the input runes, allowing for future upgrades.

Runes and Bitcoin Ordinals: A Comparative Analysis

While Bitcoin Ordinals focused on transforming satoshis into NFTs based on ordinal theory, Runes aims to simplify the fungible token landscape on Bitcoin. Both protocols reflect Rodarmor’s commitment to innovation within the Bitcoin ecosystem. Bitcoin Ordinals had introduced unique identification and tracking for satoshis, and Runes aims to bring similar levels of innovation to fungible tokens.

Ethical and Practical Considerations

Rodarmor raises ethical questions about the existence of such a protocol. He describes the fungible token landscape as a “near totally irredeemable pit of deceit and avarice” but suggests that Runes might draw users away from less-efficient schemes, thereby benefiting Bitcoin in the long run.

Future Outlook

The introduction of Runes opens up new avenues for discussion within the Bitcoin community. It remains to be seen how the protocol will be received, but its focus on simplicity and efficiency could make it a strong contender in the evolving landscape of Bitcoin-based fungible tokens.

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