Reference
Glossary
Based on Appendix A of Michele Stefanelli’s book “Due Diligence of a Layer 2 – The Bitcoin Hyper Case”. 33 entries across 12 categories.
33 entries
Anchoring
SettlementThe periodic publication of the rollup’s state commitment to the Bitcoin base layer (L1). It provides immutability and a finality derived from Bitcoin’s security.
OP_RETURN
Bitcoin L1A Bitcoin script opcode that allows up to 80 bytes of arbitrary data to be embedded in a transaction, rendering it provably unspendable. Used to anchor state commitments.
Taproot
Bitcoin L1A Bitcoin upgrade (BIP 341/342, activated November 2021) that introduces Schnorr signatures and MAST. It improves the privacy, efficiency and flexibility of scripts, and is relevant to more efficient anchoring mechanisms.
UTXO
Bitcoin L1Unspent Transaction Output. Bitcoin’s accounting model: instead of “accounts”, there are “unspent coins” of specific amounts. This differs from the account model used by the SVM and Ethereum.
Rollup
Layer 2A Layer 2 solution that executes transactions off-chain and periodically publishes the compressed state to the base layer (L1). It combines off-chain scalability with security inherited from the L1.
Sidechain
Layer 2A separate blockchain connected to the L1 through a bridge. Unlike a rollup, it has its own independent security: if the sidechain fails, the risk is real and is not mitigated by the L1.
Validium
Layer 2An architecture similar to a rollup but with off-chain data availability (transaction data is not held on the L1). More scalable but less secure: if the data becomes unavailable, users cannot prove their balances.
Optimistic Rollup
Layer 2A rollup that assumes state transitions are valid by default (hence “optimistic”). It relies on fraud proofs to challenge incorrect transitions within a time window (typically seven days on Ethereum).
ZK Rollup
Layer 2A rollup that uses zero-knowledge cryptographic proofs to demonstrate mathematically the validity of every state transition. It offers immediate finality, but is computationally expensive.
SVM (Solana Virtual Machine)
ExecutionAn execution runtime developed by Solana Labs. It enables parallel execution by requiring each transaction to declare explicitly the accounts it touches. Bitcoin Hyper uses it as its execution environment.
Sealevel
ExecutionThe SVM’s parallelisation runtime. It analyses transactions in advance and executes them in parallel when they do not share accounts. It is the main source of the high throughput of Solana (and of Bitcoin Hyper).
Anchor
ExecutionA Rust framework for developing SVM programs. It adds macros, conventions and testing tools that considerably simplify writing smart contracts for Solana and Bitcoin Hyper.
SPL (Solana Program Library)
ExecutionA library of standard programs on the SVM: tokens (SPL Token), staking, governance and so on. Bitcoin Hyper aims for SPL compatibility, allowing Solana tokens and programs to be reused.
Sequencer
SequencingThe rollup component that orders transactions before execution. Whoever controls the sequencer can determine the ordering (with implications for MEV and censorship). At Bitcoin Hyper’s launch it is expected to be centralised.
MEV (Maximal Extractable Value)
SequencingValue that can be extracted by reordering, inserting or omitting transactions within a block or batch. A centralised sequencer has full access to the rollup’s MEV.
Forced Inclusion
SequencingA mechanism that lets users “force” the inclusion of a transaction through the Bitcoin L1, bypassing a censoring sequencer. Still under development in Bitcoin Hyper as at 28/04/2026.
Canonical Bridge
BridgeBitcoin Hyper’s official bridge for moving BTC from the L1 to the rollup and back. At launch: federated/centralised custody. The roadmap envisages progressive decentralisation.
Forced Exit
BridgeA mechanism that lets users withdraw funds from the rollup even when the sequencer or bridge is uncooperative, using the Bitcoin L1. A critical safety feature, still under development.
Data Availability (DA)
Data AvailabilityThe guarantee that the data for all transactions is publicly accessible. If the data is missing, no one can reconstruct the rollup’s state. A definitive solution is still under research in Bitcoin Hyper.
State Commitment
SettlementA compressed representation (typically a Merkle root) of the rollup’s complete state at a given moment. It is periodically published to Bitcoin for anchoring.
Merkle Tree
CryptographyA tree-shaped data structure in which each parent node is the hash of its children. It allows efficient proofs (Merkle proofs) of data inclusion without revealing the entire dataset.
$HYPER
TokenomicsBitcoin Hyper’s native token. Total supply: 21 billion (a nod to Bitcoin’s 21 million BTC). Used for transaction fees, staking and governance. Allocation: 25% Treasury, 30% Development, 20% Marketing, 15% Rewards, 10% Listings.
Vesting
TokenomicsA mechanism for releasing tokens gradually over time, in order to align the incentives of the team and investors with the project’s long-term success. The $HYPER presale has a seven-day vesting period.
TGE (Token Generation Event)
TokenomicsThe event at which a token is initially created and distributed. According to the whitepaper, the security audits are to be completed before Bitcoin Hyper’s TGE.
TVL (Total Value Locked)
DeFiThe total value of assets deposited in the DeFi protocols on a network. A metric used to gauge adoption of, and confidence in, an ecosystem.
AMM (Automated Market Maker)
DeFiA DeFi protocol that uses mathematical formulas (typically x*y=k) to set exchange prices, removing the need for a traditional order book.
Oracle
DeFiA service that brings real-world data (prices, events) onto the blockchain. Critical for DeFi: lending, derivatives and many contracts depend on reliable external prices.
Fraud Proof
SecurityA cryptographic proof demonstrating that a state transition is invalid. Used in optimistic rollups to challenge fraudulent states within the challenge window.
Security audit
SecurityA review of the source code by a specialised third-party firm, with the aim of identifying vulnerabilities. For Bitcoin Hyper: promised before the TGE, but not yet published as at 28/04/2026.
Finality
SettlementThe point after which a transaction can no longer be reversed. In Bitcoin Hyper, definitive finality is Bitcoin’s (after N blocks from anchoring).
Lightning Network
CompetitorA Bitcoin Layer 2 based on payment channels. Optimised for fast, low-cost micropayments between two parties. It does not support complex smart contracts. In production since 2018.
Stacks
CompetitorA Bitcoin Layer 2 that uses the PoX (Proof of Transfer) mechanism. It has its own smart-contract language (Clarity) and anchors its blocks to Bitcoin. Its ecosystem has remained limited relative to initial expectations.
Rootstock (RSK)
CompetitorA Bitcoin sidechain with EVM compatibility and merge-mining. Live since 2018. A small ecosystem. It uses RBTC (pegged BTC) as gas.
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