Investing In Stacks (STX) – Everything You Need to Know

The Stacks (STX) protocol introduces a programmable layer to Bitcoin. This second layer builds on and extends Bitcoin’s functionality and scalability without altering any of its core code. Developers can use Stacks to create Dapps, smart contracts, and digital assets that share Bitcoin’s security and decentralization.

Notably, Stacks operates as a separate entity of Bitcoin but leverages the token for its core process. For example, Stacks’ transactions settle on the Bitcoin blockchain and the network nodes earn rewards in Bitcoin. Additionally, Bitcoin operates as the reserve asset for the platform.

What Problems Does Stacks Attempt to Fix?

One of the main problems that Stacks reduces is the inherent limitations of the Bitcoin ecosystem. Stacks alliviates these concerns through the use of the Proof of Transfer consensus mechanism, microblocks, and a new programming language called Clarity. Bitcoin, as the world’s first successful cryptocurrency, remains a pioneer in the market. However, the coin entered the market long before smart contracts and DeFi functionalities.

Stacks (STX) – Homepage

Bitcoin’s creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, purposely used a limited programming language to make it difficult for hackers to insert malicious code unnoticed. This code was great for security but couldn’t support today’s top crypto features. The Stacks second layer solution enables developers to leverage the best aspects of Bitcoin including its liquidity and security with the programmability of a fourth-generation blockchain.

Lack of Security

The market is full of new DeFi platforms. These networks promise high rewards but lack the decentralization and security track record of Bitcoin. Stack developers can now provide these requirements to users. Notably, all Stacks transactions are batched and hashed on the Bitcoin blockchain. Consequently, all Stacks transactions can be verified on the Bitcoin blockchain.

Scalability

Another major issue that Stacks reduces is scalability concerns. Bitcoin’s network can get slow and unresponsive during market congestion. The price of transactions can become ridiculous during these moments. During the 2017 breakout year for Bitcoin, the network suffered from crushing fees. Stacks developers wanted to avoid this issue in the future. As such, they enable the network to scale independently of Bitcoin.

Developer Restrictions

Stacks developers enjoy the convenience of a composable and dynamic building infrastructure. The platform enables developers to build on top of each other’s apps and include Bitcoin-based logic. These features are driving a new type of Dapp that is more secure and leverages Bitcoin’s stellar reputation and history.

Source – Twitter @Stacks

Censorship

Censorship is still a major issue for investors around the world. Stacks keeps true to Bitcoin’s legacy by providing a truly open economy to the world. Anyone with an internet connection can use the protocol. Notably, once data is written on Stacks, it’s also placed on the Bitcoin blockchain insuring it’s unalterable. This feature makes Stacks ideal for future Web 3.0 infrastructure.

Benefits of Stacks

Stacks is an open-source project that has been vetted by the community. The main benefit of Stacks is that it empowers Dapp developers to make decentralized apps and smart contracts that inherit all of Bitcoin’s powers. Developers can leverage aspects such as Bitcoin’s liquidity to create a better user experience.

User Experience

Speaking on the user experience, Stacks provides a more secure and profitable market. For example, all data is owned by the user. Users can even share this data between apps in a decentralized nature.

How Does Stacks Work?

Stacks is a dual-layer Bitcoin programmable solution. One of the core concepts of the platform is that Dapps are deployed on Stacks and settled on Bitcoin. The introduction of the Clarity programming language has helped drive the adoption of the network. This language is highly predictable which helps to reduce bugs. Notably, Clarity integrates a familiar web 2.0 user experience for non-technical users.

Stacks Blockchain

The Stacks blockchain operates as a flexible layer that resides on top of Bitcoin. It enables decentralized apps, smart contracts, and digital assets to be created, tested, and launched.

Stacks 2.0 blockchain

The stacks 2.0 blockchain provides some cool DeFi features. Anyone can use this system to create new tokens. New tokens provide businesses and groups with new ways to monetize open-source protocols and incentivize community contributions.

Token – STX

STX serves a few roles within the Stacks protocol. It’s the network’s native utility token. You will need to hold STX to execute smart contracts and run Dapps. Developers pay a small fee to publish smart contracts to the blockchain in STX. You can also use the token as a cryptocurrency and send value in a peer-to-peer manner globally.

Stacks (STX) – Rewards

Stacks Consensus

Stacks leverages the Proof of Transfer (PoX) consensus mechanism. This custom-built protocol connects the Bitcoin and the Stacks network. The system does away with traditional Bitcoin miners. Instead, Stackers transfer Bitcoin to nodes providing computational services to the network.

This form of consensus is far more energy-efficient and faster than Bitcoin’s Proof-of-Work system. Additionally, anyone can participate in the network. There is no special hardware or expensive mining rigs needed. This strategy helps to promote decentralization which keeps the network controlled by users.

DeFi Support

This month will see Stacks’ first DeFi project launch. The Arkadiko Protocol wants Bitcoiners to be able to cash in on the DeFi movement. The platform enables Bitcoiners to earn a yield by collateralizing a next-gen stablecoin.

How to Buy Stacks (STX)

Currently, Stacks (STX) is available for purchase on the following exchanges.

Kraken – Founded in 2011, Kraken is one of the most trusted names in the industry with over 9,000,000 users, and over $207 billion in quarterly trading volume.

The Kraken exchange offers trading access to over 190 countries including Australia, Canada, Europe, and is our most recommend exchange for USA residents. (Excluding New York & Washington state)

Uphold – This is one of the top exchanges for United States & UK residents that offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies. Germany & Netherlands are prohibited.

Uphold Disclaimer: Assets available on Uphold are subject to region. All investments and trading are risky and may result in the loss of capital. Cryptoassets are largely unregulated and are therefore not subject to protection.

Binance – Best for Australia, Canada, Singapore, UK and most of the world. USA residents are prohibited from buying Stacks (STX). Use Discount Code: EE59L0QP for 10% cashback off all trading fees. 

Stacks (STX) – A Second Layer Bitcoin Solution Built for Web3.0

Stacks demonstrates how developers’ creativity continues to expand. The platform takes the best aspects of Bitcoin and combines it with the most recent cryptocurrency advancements. For Bitcoiners and DeFi users, this is a major milestone. For these reasons and many more, Stacks is set to see continued popularity in the market.