Bitcoin: If no push opcode, how does item still end up on stack (tx verification)

Push Operation Code: Understanding Bitcoin Transaction Mechanics

In Bitcoin, transactions are processed on the network and verified by nodes using complex algorithms. One of these algorithms is the Push operation code, which plays a decisive role in the transaction verification process. In this article, we will delve into how the code of the Push operation works and why it is important that the element is on the stack (verification of the transaction).

What is a push code?

Push Opcode is a protocol used by Bitcoin hackers to verify transactions. This is an optimization method that reduces the computational cost of verifying transactions. Simply put, push operation code allows nodes to push data directly onto the stack without having to read it from disk or memory.

How ​​does the push code work?

When a new transaction is created, the sender (Alice) sends it to the network along with the public key and signature. The receiver (Bob) receives the transaction, verifies its authenticity, and includes it in his own transaction. To verify this transaction, Bob’s node reads all necessary data from disk or memory, including Alice’s public key script, public key hash, signature, and more.

The push operation code is used during this process. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

• Send public key script: The sender places Alice’s public key script on the stack.

• Send public key hash. In response, Bob puts his own hash of the public key on the stack.

• Send signatures: Bob also sends signatures from his private key to the stack.

Why is this happening?

To effectively verify a transaction, nodes must process all necessary data in memory or on disk. By placing these components directly on the stack, nodes can avoid loading them into memory or disk each time they are needed.

In particular, push operation codes are useful for verifying transactions that include several public keys, signatures, and other data elements. This reduces transaction verification costs, making it faster and more efficient.

Example: Alice’s transaction

Let’s say Alice wants to send Bob 10 bitcoins. Your transaction will look like this:

0x00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12
| (unsigned integer) | (public key script) |

When Alice sends this transaction, her node uses the push operation code to push the following data onto the stack:

• Hash of Alice’s public key (0x1234567890abcdef)

• Hash of Bob’s public key (0x234567890abcddef)

Bob’s node reads these values ​​from disk or memory and verifies them as part of the transaction verification process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the push operation code is an intelligent optimization method that reduces the computational cost in Bitcoin transactions. By placing public keys, signatures, and other data elements directly on the stack, nodes can efficiently and effectively verify transactions. This optimization makes it possible to speed up and increase the efficiency of network operations, which makes it an integral part of the Bitcoin protocol.

I hope this article helped you understand how the push operation code works and why it is so important that the element is on the stack (transaction verification).