‘One Bitcoin = one Satoshi’ proposal looks to ditch the crypto’s decimal points

Bitcoin advocator John Carvalho introduced a caller Bitcoin Improvement Proposal that seeks to redefine the cryptocurrency’s portion of measurement.

The connection suggests replacing the existent operation — wherever 1 Bitcoin equals 100 cardinal satoshis — with a strategy that makes the smallest indivisible unit, the satoshi.

Under Carvalho’s proposal, “one Bitcoin” would present mean what is presently understood arsenic 1 satoshi — 1 one-hundred-millionth of a Bitcoin.

This alteration would destruct the request for decimal places, presenting Bitcoin values successful full integers.

For example, what is present shown arsenic 0.00010000 BTC would beryllium displayed arsenic 10,000 bitcoins.

Carvalho argues this redefinition would trim confusion, align Bitcoin’s show with its integral protocol, and marque the currency easier to recognize for unfamiliar users.

“The decimal constituent is simply a human-imposed abstraction,” the connection states.

The bits debate

This is not the archetypal clip the assemblage has debated changes to Bitcoin’s portion structure.

In 2017, Jimmy Song projected BIP 176, which introduced “bits” arsenic a modular denomination.

Song’s connection aimed to simplify tiny transactions by moving distant from confusing fractional BTC displays.

This is each portion of a long-standing statement connected concerns astir accessibility and idiosyncratic mistake successful Bitcoin transactions.

Critics of some ideas caution that shifting the portion operation could confuse users, summation the hazard of mistakes successful transactions, and make logistical challenges for wallets and exchanges already built astir the existent system.

Kyle Baird is DL News’ Weekend Editor. Got a tip? Email at [email protected].