Fractalink Docs
  • Introduction to Fractalink
    • Overview
    • Understanding Fractal Bitcoin (FB)
    • Why Linking Ethereum and Fractal Bitcoin is Crucial
      • Leveraging the Strengths of Both Networks
      • Enabling Cross-Chain Interoperability
      • Expanding DeFi and NFT Applications
      • Reducing Scalability Bottlenecks
      • Enhancing Security and Mining Rewards
  • Key Features
    • Fractalink Explorer
      • Real-Time Block Information
      • Detailed Transaction Tracking
      • Full Token Activity Tracking
      • NFT and Ordinals Integration
      • Search and Query Capabilities
      • Historical Data Access
      • Mining Data and Network Metrics
      • Blockchain Health Metrics
      • User-Friendly Interface and Developer Tools
    • Fractalink Bridge
      • Purpose and Significance of the Fractalink Bridge
      • Bridge Architecture and Functionality
      • Security Protocols and Decentralized Validation
      • Technological Innovations
      • ​​Benefits of Fractalink Bridge
    • Fractalink Mining
      • Understanding Cadence Mining
      • Cadence Mining 2.0
    • BRC-20 Inscription
    • Etch and Mint Runes
  • Token & Tax
    • Token Information
    • Tokenomics
    • Tax Structure
  • Community
    • Media Kit
    • Website
    • Telegram
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  1. Introduction to Fractalink

Understanding Fractal Bitcoin (FB)

Fractal Bitcoin (FB) is a Bitcoin-native scaling solution launched in September 2024. It was developed as a sidechain to address the well-known limitations of Bitcoin’s base layer, particularly its scalability and throughput issues. Operating as a Bitcoin Layer 2 (L2), Fractal aims to increase transaction speed, reduce costs, and provide enhanced functionality while staying closely aligned with Bitcoin’s core philosophy of decentralization and security.

1. Key Features and Technology

Fractal Bitcoin offers a variety of unique technological features designed to optimize the Bitcoin network for higher throughput and more sophisticated use cases:

  • Recursive Layering: Fractal leverages a unique recursive layering system, which exponentially increases the network’s scalability potential. Theoretically, this structure enables up to 20x the transaction capacity per layer, allowing for much higher throughput as compared to Bitcoin’s base layer. This scaling is achieved without sacrificing decentralization, as the recursive layers are natively integrated into the Bitcoin architecture

  • Block Confirmation Times: Unlike Bitcoin’s 10-minute block times, Fractal Bitcoin boasts sub-30-second block confirmations. This drastically reduces the confirmation times for transactions, making Fractal more suitable for real-time applications such as payments and decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols​.

  • Integration of OP_CAT Opcode: Fractal reintroduces OP_CAT, an opcode that was initially disabled by Bitcoin’s creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, in 2010 due to security concerns​. OP_CAT allows for limited smart contract functionality, giving Fractal the ability to support more complex transactions. This opcode opens the door for use cases like token creation, decentralized applications (DApps), and other smart contract-based utilities that were previously unavailable in Bitcoin.

2. Merged Mining with Bitcoin

Fractal Bitcoin employs a mining model known as Cadence Mining, which allows miners to mine both Bitcoin and Fractal simultaneously. This is done through a process called merged mining, where miners solve proof-of-work (PoW) algorithms for both chains using the same computational resources.

With Cadence Mining, every third block mined on Fractal is integrated with the Bitcoin network, allowing miners to secure both blockchains without expending extra energy​. This incentivizes Bitcoin miners to participate in the Fractal network, ensuring its security while maintaining compatibility with Bitcoin’s existing infrastructure.

3. Support for Bitcoin Native Protocols

Fractal is fully compatible with existing Bitcoin-native protocols, which allows it to support advanced functionality without relying on external systems like Ethereum’s virtual machine (EVM). Some of the most notable protocols supported by Fractal include:

- BRC-20 Tokens: Fractal natively supports BRC-20, a token standard designed for the Bitcoin ecosystem, similar to Ethereum’s ERC-20. BRC-20 tokens can be used for a variety of purposes such as token issuance, DeFi applications, and decentralized governance​.

- Ordinals and NFTs: The Fractal network also integrates with Ordinals, enabling the creation and exchange of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) directly on Bitcoin’s infrastructure. This makes Fractal a natural extension for developers and artists who want to tap into Bitcoin’s NFT capabilities while benefiting from the speed and scalability of the sidechain​.

4. Use Cases and Applications

Fractal Bitcoin is designed to support a wide variety of use cases, including:

  • DeFi: Leveraging Bitcoin’s security with Ethereum-like DeFi functionality, made possible through the BRC-20 standard.

  • NFTs: The support for Ordinals allows users to mint, trade, and inscribe unique digital assets on the Bitcoin blockchain.

  • Cross-Chain Interoperability: Fractal Bitcoin is being used in bridges (like Fractalink) to connect with other blockchains like Ethereum, enabling cross-chain asset transfers

Fractal Bitcoin is positioned as a groundbreaking scaling solution for Bitcoin, offering native support for faster transactions, scalable protocols, and decentralized applications. By preserving Bitcoin’s core security principles while introducing modern blockchain functionality, Fractal aims to unlock new possibilities for developers and users, creating a more efficient and scalable Bitcoin ecosystem.

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Last updated 5 months ago