Rootstock Architecture
This module explains how Rootstock works under the hood, including the Bitcoin peg, merge-mining, and the Rootstock Virtual Machine (RVM).
Before diving into the architecture, ensure you have read the Blockchain Overview for a high-level understanding of Rootstock's core features and compatibility.
Architecture Overview
Rootstock combines the best of both worlds: Bitcoin's industry-leading security and Ethereum's powerful smart contract capabilities. This is achieved through three main architectural pillars:
- Merge-Mining: Allows Bitcoin miners to secure the Rootstock network simultaneously.
- PowPeg: A trust-minimized bridge enabling 2-way transfers between BTC and rBTC.
- Rootstock Virtual Machine (RVM): An EVM-compatible execution environment for smart contracts.
This architecture ensures that Rootstock remains the most secure and functional smart contract platform tied to the Bitcoin ecosystem.
rBTC: Rootstock's Gas Token
rBTC is pegged 1:1 with BTC and is the native token used to pay for transaction fees (gas) and smart contract execution on Rootstock. This allows you to use Bitcoin for decentralized applications without leaving the ecosystem. To understand how gas works on Rootstock, see the Gas Differences section.
Architecture Diagram
+------------------------------+
| Bitcoin |
| (Merge-Mined – PoW) |
+--------------+---------------+
|
Merge-Mining
|
+--------------v---------------+
| Rootstock |
| EVM-Compatible Smart |
| Contract Layer |
+--------------+---------------+
|
PowPeg
|
+--------------v---------------+
| rBTC |
+------------------------------+
Summary
Rootstock combines:
- Bitcoin's security via merge-mining
- Ethereum's programmability via EVM compatibility
- Seamless BTC integration via the PowPeg
Make sure you've completed the Development Prerequisites to set up your environment with Node.js, Hardhat, and wallet configuration.