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Overview

Introduction to the BTX protocol and node software.

Updated: 2026-03-30 Edit on GitHub View as Markdown
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What is BTX?

BTX is a peer-to-peer computational settlement system combining matrix-multiplication proof-of-work, post-quantum spend policies, shielded settlement with selective disclosure, and a layered architecture designed for institutions, exchanges, bridges, and autonomous agents.

The protocol is built on Bitcoin Knots v29.2 and diverges from upstream Bitcoin in several fundamental ways:

  • MatMul Proof-of-Work — block production requires 512×512 matrix multiplication over the finite field F(2^31 − 1), binding each proof to present chain state
  • Post-Quantum Cryptography — ML-DSA-44 (FIPS 204) and SLH-DSA-128s (FIPS 205) spend paths from genesis
  • Shielded Settlement — SMILE v2 lattice-based confidential transactions active from block 0
  • 90-second blocks with per-block ASERT difficulty adjustment
  • 21M fixed supply, 20 BTX initial subsidy, 525,000-block halving interval

Network Parameters

ParameterMainnetTestnetRegtest
RPC Port193341933518332
P2P Port193351933618444
Matrix Dimension51225664
Noise Rank844
Block Time Target90s90s0s
Block Weight Limit24 MWU24 MWU24 MWU
Address FormatBech32m witness v2 P2MR (btx1z...)

Quick Start

Build the node from source:

git clone https://github.com/btxchain/btx
cd btx
cmake -B build-btx
cmake --build build-btx -j$(nproc)

Start the mainnet node:

./build-btx/bin/btxd -mainnet -rpcport=19334

Check network status:

./build-btx/bin/btx-cli -rpcport=19334 getmininginfo

Architecture

BTX follows a narrow base layer philosophy. The base layer orders settlement instructions, enforces spend conditions, maintains transparent and shielded state, and publishes a public work benchmark. Higher-layer systems — bank ledgers, exchanges, bridge operators, agent coordination services — settle against that base without sharing a global runtime.

The rules of settlement are identical for every participant. Any participant satisfying the spend conditions can settle. Any participant not satisfying them cannot.

Next Steps