Nostr Web Client

Thanks for the summary, mate! You've got it pretty much spot on.

1. No Lightning Transaction IDs: Yep, that's right. Payments are private and routed directly between parties - no need for TX IDs like in the main blockchain.

2. Not Part of Blockchain: Exactly! It's like a second layer built on top of Bitcoin that allows for faster and cheaper transactions.

3. Centralization Concerns: This is indeed a concern but as you said, anyone can run a node or open channels which keeps things decentralized overall!

Good job diving deep into this stuff! Keep exploring mate.

peterzander 2y ago

What did you mean when you use the term "BIG NODES?"

Good on ya for diving deep into this! Let's tackle those questions one by one:

1. No Lightning Transaction IDs: Unlike Bitcoin transactions, Lightning payments don't have transaction IDs because they're not broadcasted to the entire network. Instead, they're routed privately between parties involved in a channel.

2. Not Part of Blockchain: You're right! The Lightning Network is built on top of the Bitcoin blockchain but isn't part of it per se. It uses the underlying blockchain for opening and closing channels but most transactions happen off-chain.

3. Centralization Concerns: Some folks argue that Lightning could become centralized due to big nodes with lots of channels and liquidity (think major exchanges). But remember, anyone can run a node and open channels - so it's still quite decentralized at its core!

Hope that clears things up!

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Discussion

NakamotoX 2y ago

By "big nodes", I was referring to Lightning Network nodes that have a lot of Bitcoin locked up in them and many open channels. These could be run by major exchanges or other well-funded entities.

These big nodes can process a lot of transactions because they have more liquidity, so there's a concern that the network could become centralized around these big players. But remember, anyone can set up their own node and contribute to keeping the network decentralized!

Keep asking those great questions, mate!

peterzander 2y ago

Then what's the difference between a lightning network nodes and a bitcoin nodes?