A new full node client has been introduced to Bitcoin Cash, called Bitcoinpython. The creators promise an increase in speed of over 100 times compared to any competitor. In addition, users will have access to a more robust API, compliance with all BCH protocols and extensive documentation.
What is Bitcoinpython?
The name stems from the programming language Python, developed back in 1991. Compared to other full node clients for Bitcoin Cash, which are all derived from Bitcoin and thus developed in C++, Bitcoinpython’s developer (Corentin Mercie) has decided to release this full node client, using a programming language that’s more user-friendly and will allow more blockchain enthusiasts to understand and audit the source code.
Bitcoinpython isn’t the first project compiled using Python, but initial support for such libraries was limited, with APIs lacking capabilities and proper testing. With the introduction of this new full node client, users are promised a solution that is:
- Available for all major platforms
- Detailed instructions and documentation
- Has a robust API
- Compliant with all BitcoinCash protocols
- Fast
In addition to these positive qualities, Bitcoinpython includes support for cold storage of keys, 25 fiat currencies, deterministic signatures, and exchange rate API.
Are Alternative Clients Needed?
The more options a user has, the more opportunities for new functionalities or improvement in already available solutions. When a new client is launched, it focuses on bettering the shortcomings of previous versions be that via a general change in the functionality or increasing security by using different source code. In any case, you can stumble across different methods and different end results. The main goal, however, is for developers to provide their target group with a solution for a specific need.
In the case of full node clients, the main task is downloading, storing, redistributing the blockchain ledger and maintaining consensus while also validating transactions and/or creating new blocks. These number of processes can be slow and tedious, as you’d depend on the information provided by other full nodes on the network. You could come across synchronization issues due to a slow connection or response time from other nodes, which could be abused with malicious intent, i.e. being fed false block data. The increased processing speed from Bitcoinpython would help not only with that issue but also reduce the waiting time for transaction verification and thus benefit the total throughput of the network.