Bridge
Interoperability covers how assets and messages move between Bitcoin, Rootstock, and other networks. Rootstock connects Bitcoin proof-of-work security to EVM-compatible smart contracts through bridges and messaging protocols.
Core Pillars
| Pillar | Description | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Swap SDK | Enable secure movement of assets between Bitcoin and Rootstock using the Swap SDK. | Trustless DeFi & L2 interoperability. |
| PowPeg | SDK for creating native peg-in and peg-out transactions following the PowPeg protocol. | Institutional & high-value transfers. |
| Flyover SDK | A liquidity-based fast bridge that uses LPs to front the funds for the user. | Retail users & fast dApp onboarding. |
| Union (BitVMX) | A trust-minimized 1-of-N bridge that uses optimistic fraud proofs on Bitcoin. | Trustless DeFi & L2 interoperability. |
| Layerzero | Build Omnichain Fungible Token (OFTs) on Rootstock with Layerzero. | Trustless DeFi & L2 interoperability. |
| LI.FI | Omnichain liquidity routing from Ethereum, Arbitrum, Base, and more directly to Rootstock. | Single-transaction cross-chain liquidity. |
| Wormhole | Send arbitrary cross-chain messages to Rootstock using Verified Action Approvals (VAAs). | Cross-chain governance, data sync & multi-chain app logic. |
Key Concepts
1. Peg-In (Bitcoin to Rootstock)
A Peg-In occurs when you send native BTC to a designated vault address on the Bitcoin network. Once confirmed, the Rootstock network mints an equivalent amount of rBTC to your Rootstock address.
2. Peg-Out (Rootstock to Bitcoin)
A Peg-Out is the reverse process: rBTC is burned on Rootstock, and the bridge infrastructure releases native BTC to your Bitcoin address.
3. Trust-Minimized Security (BitVMX)
With the advent of BitVMX, Rootstock bridges are moving toward an optimistic verification model. This allows for Bitcoin-native fraud proofs, meaning that as long as one participant is honest, the bridge remains secure.
Top Tools for Developers
- Flyover SDK: The primary library for integrating near-instant bridging into your frontend.
- Swap SDK: Atlas Bridge is a cross-chain bridge for the Rootstock ecosystem. You can use it to move assets between Rootstock and other supported networks.
- LI.FI: Leading cross-chain liquidity aggregator to route swaps and bridges into Rootstock.
- Rootstock Explorer: Visually track cross-chain transactions and bridge health.
Implementation Guides
Explore the recipes below to start integrating bridging solutions into your application.