• This is an opinion editorial by Mark Goodwin which discusses the difference between ordinal and cardinal numbers as it relates to Bitcoin.
• Ordinals is an open-source project from Bitcoin developer Casey Rodarmor that uses an arbitrary but sensible framework for tracking the lineage of individual satoshis using ordinal numbers.
• The Bitcoin network assigns each satoshi a unique ordinal number at block issuance, with 100,000,000 satoshi groupings conventionally being referred to as „a bitcoin.“

What are Ordinal and Cardinal Numbers?

Ordinal numbers denote rank or position in a system, while cardinal numbers tally how many units of something there are. In bitcoin terms, the chain’s block height would be an ordinal number – the 10th block – whereas the amount of satoshis in a transaction fee would be a cardinal number, 1000 sats.

Ordinals Project by Casey Rodarmor

Ordinals is an open-source project from Bitcoin developer Casey Rodarmor consisting of two distinct parts; Ordinal Theory and Inscriptions. Ordinal Theory is an arbitrary but sensible framework for tracking the lineage of an individual satoshi using an ordinal number it acquired at issuance. At current difficulty, miners use this reserved but otherwise empty input as extra nonce space for hashing.

Bitcoin Network

The Bitcoin network is a series of peer-to-peer databases, full of integers that contain the current state of the protocol. You can think of ordinal theory as a conceptual social lens for all the numerical data presented in bitcoin’s blocks. By making (cc: arbitrary) rules for viewing how individual satoshis are theoretically distributed after a bitcoin transaction, Ordinal Theory simply suggests a singular perspective to interpreting Bitcoin, explained in its Index.

Satoshi Assignments

Every satoshi is given a unique ordinal number as early as the candidate block, starting from 0, and will continue until counting up to just below 2.1 quadrillion, with 100,000,000 satoshi groupings conventionally being referred to as „a bitcoin.“ This number is set at block issuance regardless of any successful miner completing blocks thereafter.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the difference between ordinals and cardinals when it comes to Bitcoins can help developers better understand how transactions take place on their blockchain platform and track how individual Satoshis are distributed within transactions more efficiently using Ordinals project created by Casey Rodarmor .

• Twitter is reportedly preparing for payments and bitcoin could be included in the mix.
• Elon Musk has expressed interest in integrating crypto into the platform’s payments vision.
• Twitter applied for regulatory licenses across the U.S., indicating their intention to facilitate payments on its app.

Twitter Prepping For Payments

Twitter is reportedly prepping for payments, with bitcoin potentially being a part of its payment vision. According to a Financial Times report, Elon Musk is open to adding BTC and other cryptocurrencies to his social media platform’s payment system.

Fiat First, Crypto Later?

The stated goal of this „super app“ vision is prioritize fiat currency transactions first, but its future likely includes the alternative payment method of cryptocurrency. Twitter has already applied for regulatory licenses across the United States, signaling their intention to begin facilitating payments through their app in the near future.

Bitcoin Acceptance History

This would not be the first time that one of Elon Musks‘ businesses have accepted Bitcoin as payment; Tesla electric vehicles previously accepted bitcoin as payment before retracting due to concerns about renewable energy sources. Despite no firm plans yet, Musk has firmly reiterated since his takeover of Twitter that he wants it to become more multifunctional and serve as a “super app” – an idea which could benefit from cheaper, faster payments using something like the Bitcoin Lightning Network.

Tipping Tested via Lightning Network

Twitter recently tested tipping users through Jack Mallers‘ Strike application using Bitcoin’s Lightning Network – allowing users to add their own Bitcoin address directly receive tips sent by others on the network.

Conclusion

It appears that Twitter is taking steps towards integrating cryptocurrency into its platform – while there are still many regulatory hurdles ahead and no official plans in place yet, it remains possible that we may see some form of crypto transaction capability on the platform in the near future

• New Hampshire Commission on Cryptocurrencies and Digital Assets: Governor Chris Sununu created the commission to explore how Bitcoin mining operations could be integrated into a statewide energy plan. The report suggests that this would have positive impacts such as contributing to a more stable grid, more sustainable generation projects, and lower costs for consumers.
• Texas Work Group On Blockchain Matters: Members of the Texas legislature were recommended to make bitcoin an authorized investment for the state, while giving tax incentives to local BTC miners.
• „Well Regulated Cryptocurrency Market“: Both reports indicate that further research into Bitcoin is necessary, and they suggest regulation to protect consumers.

New Hampshire Commission on Cryptocurrencies and Digital Assets

Governor Chris Sununu created the New Hampshire Commission on Cryptocurrencies and Digital Assets in February 2022 via executive order. The commission was tasked with exploring how Bitcoin mining operations could be integrated into a statewide energy plan. Results from the commission suggest that this would have positive impacts such as contributing to a more stable grid, more sustainable generation projects, and lower costs for consumers.

Texas Work Group On Blockchain Matters

A separate report titled „Texas Work Group On Blockchain Matters“ was released by members of the Texas legislature. The report recommends making bitcoin an authorized investment for the state, while providing tax incentives to local BTC miners. This indicates that states are beginning to consider the benefits of embracing bitcoin technology.

„Well Regulated Cryptocurrency Market“

Both reports indicate that further research into Bitcoin is necessary, and they suggest regulation to protect consumers. Appendix B written by New Hampshire’s Bureau of Securities Regulation notes that „a well regulated cryptocurrency market provides consumer protection, and trust in the market which is a boon to investors, the general public, and businesses alike“.

„State Of Financial Services Innovation“

Governor Sununu’s executive order calls for New Hampshire „to remain an excellent jurisdiction to attract the highest quality banking and financial businesses“. This indicates an intention of continued inquiry into how states can integrate cryptocurrency technologies such as Bitcoin in order to become leaders in financial services innovation within the United States.

„Advocacy For Continued Inquiry“

It is important for those who are involved in or associated with state legislatures or who are part of Bitcoin ecosystem communities advocate for continued inquiry into how states can integrate these new technologies responsibly. Without proper inquiry it will be difficult for states like New Hampshire or Texas lead other American governments towards widespread adoption of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.