Important Things To Know About Bitcoin

As an investor, trader, or entrepreneur engaged in Bitcoin payments or trade, you must keep yourself updated when it comes to new developments involving this cryptocurrency. Will Bitcoin still be a trend in the next coming years, or will it become a bubble that would pop, as claimed by some critics? Learning about new improvements or developments on Bitcoin may help you decide on your endeavors regarding this digital currency.

In keeping abreast with Bitcoins developments, check out the following vital things:

1. Bitcoin Core 0.18.0

Described as Bitcoin's original software on its 18th generation, Bitcoin 0.18.0 was officially released on the 2nd of May 2019. The development that took place in the 18th version added new features and fixed bugs while improving Bitcoin's performance. Most importantly, Bitcoin 0.18.0 is primarily developed to store your private keys securely.

Its function is to connect the Hardware Wallet Interaction (HWI) with your hardware wallet. As a result, interacting with the blockchain using the two combined is the most secure possible way of performing Bitcoin transactions. If you want to secure your trade, a VPN can also help, especially when your connection is not private.

Here are the other features of Bitcoin Core 0.18.0 you must know:

• GUI Support - Also known as the Graphic User Interface, users can plug into it so they can pair multiple wallets by using Bitcoin Core 0.18.0. However, further refinement is required as the access command still has issues. For instance, when switching wallets, you will likely retain the wrong wallet when using coin control features.
• OSDL - Debuted on Bitcoin 0.17.0, the Output Script Descriptors Language has the primary purpose of moving private and public keys from wallet to wallet. With the latest version, human-readable descriptors importation will be provided with new commands.
• Bitcoin Mining - Joining a supported pool of miners will give you templates on their regulations. With the latest version, it aimed to boost network capacity, replace the block weight limit with block size limit, and fix the malleability.

2. Bitcoin Improvement Proposals

Although Bitcoin is one of the leading cryptocurrencies, its technology still needs more developments. Just like the need to regularly upgrade a trading platform like Bitcoin Code, Bitcoin technology must also undergo constant evolution. To address the issues of blockchain, Bitcoin developers continuously have the following BIPs or Bitcoin Improvement Proposals:

• Confidential Transactions Concept - Because privacy is a concept that is highly in-demand by crypto users, Bitcoin would need to become privacy-centric, too. As such, they aim to use a soft fork in implementing and adding the code to the blockchain when it comes to confidential transactions.
• MAST - To enable more complex sets of data with blockchain transactions, the Merkelized Abstract Syntax Trees was created. It contains two algorithms called Abstract Syntax Trees and Merkle Trees. The former labels and divides sets of data while the latter records data without the need to download all the data. When the two are combined, the transaction can reduce the recognized data after it receives more complicated sets of data.
• Lightning Network - This innovation aims to allow users to conduct unlimited transactions or what they call as multi-signature wallets. It also introduces cross-chain and micropayments in a secure way, which are prompted by security vulnerabilities regarding Bitcoin payments.

3. Bitcoin Regulations

Since cryptocurrency has the potential to replace the fiat currencies around the world, governments have become concerned. While others are already amending their policies to incorporate Bitcoin in their finances, others are too skeptical about it.

Take a look at the different government regulations regarding Bitcoin around the world:

• Australia - Although it's a country that recently took blockchain and cryptocurrencies in a very measured approach, it's also one of the countries that envision the continuous rise of digital currencies. What Australia is doing is establishing particular guidelines for initial coin offerings (ICOs). The Australian government has also taxed Bitcoin trades, and it uses the term "money" to label Bitcoin.
• Asia - Although it hasn't acknowledged Bitcoin as a fiat currency, Japan has legalized Bitcoin as a mode of payment, making it the most favorable country to accept cryptocurrency. Fintech innovators in Japan have an advantage over Bitcoin's success as the state doesn't view holding Bitcoin as unlawful, although banks do not yet offer Bitcoins to their customers. Other Asian countries, on the other hand, like China, have implemented strict laws when it comes to trading Bitcoins. This is because of the high capital that's leaving China through Bitcoin. So even if China became an early adopter of bitcoin's technology, it shifted its policies and became strict in 2018. Moreover, countries like Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, and Bangladesh have harsh punishments when it comes to trading or using Bitcoins, considering it as a highly illegal activity.
• Europe - Unlike other nations, Europe has regulated and implemented laws after the economic crisis in 2008. The purpose is to help fintech startups forge a successful path. Moreover, Europe has supported the blockchain's growth through their laws, making it the most prominent startup in the market. Encouraging results are also emerging because a group of watchdogs is monitoring ongoing events. Switzerland has also accepted Bitcoins in a non-regulatory manner. But when it involves the financial sector using cryptocurrencies and Bitcoins, laws are being established for taxability and security purposes. Other Swiss ecosystems such as public infrastructure have used Bitcoins as payment for municipal and transportation fees. Also, in Germany, the trading of Bitcoins is allowed, but it comes with taxes. Although they have not defined Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as money, they have recognized the risks of trading cryptocurrencies, such as fraud.

Conclusion

Joining the Bitcoin craze may be fun and exciting, but you still need to know what you are investing in. A lot of so-called experts offer their insights, but it's up to you to decide whether they are true or not. It's better to learn a lot about a certain thing than not knowing anything at all and just buying it. It requires a lot of knowledge to gain or grow your money in Bitcoin. Being updated on the developments involving your investments can help you succeed in your endeavor and avoid costly mistakes in the long run.