Stacks
Stacks is a Bitcoin Layer-2 solution enabling smart contracts and decentralized applications to use Bitcoin as a secure base layer, with a decentralized ecosystem supported by the Stacks Foundation and various independent entities.
Services
Stacks enables smart contracts and decentralized applications to use Bitcoin as a secure base layer. The platform allows transactions to settle on the Bitcoin blockchain, providing the same level of security and irreversibility as Bitcoin itself. Stacks supports a variety of wallets, custody providers, and Stacking solutions for STX token holders. The Hiro Platform empowers developers by offering a hosted environment to build and deploy smart contracts on Stacks.
Nakamoto Upgrade
The Nakamoto upgrade for Stacks is poised to bring substantial advancements, including faster transactions and full Bitcoin finality. This upgrade will also lay the groundwork for sBTC, a 1:1 Bitcoin-backed asset intended to facilitate the decentralized movement of BTC between Bitcoin Layer 1 (L1) and Layer 2 (L2). Stacks transactions becoming as irreversible as Bitcoin's post-upgrade is another hallmark of the Nakamoto upgrade.
sBTC Asset
sBTC is a 1:1 Bitcoin-backed asset designed to enable decentralized movement of BTC between the Bitcoin L1 and the Stacks L2. This innovation aims to leverage Bitcoin's security while providing flexibility for users within the Stacks ecosystem. The introduction of sBTC with the Nakamoto upgrade is expected to enhance the interoperability and usability of Bitcoin within decentralized applications.
Clarity Smart Contract Language
Clarity is the decidable smart contract language specifically designed for the Stacks blockchain. It optimizes for predictability and security, crucial for building reliable smart contracts. By allowing smart contracts to use Bitcoin as an asset and settle transactions on the Bitcoin blockchain, Clarity ensures that users benefit from the robust security features of Bitcoin.
Proof of Transfer (PoX)
Proof of Transfer (PoX) is the consensus mechanism used by the Stacks blockchain to connect Bitcoin and Stacks. By recycling Bitcoin’s Proof of Work, PoX secures the Stacks network while enabling unique functionalities. This mechanism not only helps in maintaining security but also in decentralizing the control and operation of the Stacks ecosystem, consisting of various independent developers and entities.