Statechains, originally proposed by Ruben Somsen in 2018, are a second-layer protocol for transferring UTXO ownership off-chain using a coordinating server. The protocol relies on the secure deletion of key shares by the server to ensure trustlessness. Unlike Lightning, Statechains do not require liquidity for operations, simplifying their utility. Noteworthy implementations include the original design, the Mercury protocol by CommerceBlock in 2021, and its 2024 successor, Mercury Layer. The Statechain’s innovative approach and evolving design highlight its unique status in the blockchain ecosystem.
Statechains enable the transfer of UTXO ownership off-chain, providing a uniquely different approach compared to systems like Ark and Lightning.
Unlike Ark, Statechains' protocol is designed to ensure a trustless environment through a central server that securely manages private key shares.
Collection
[
|
...
]