Stacks
Stacks is the leading Bitcoin Layer 2 blockchain that enables smart contracts and decentralized apps secured by Bitcoin.
Overview
Stacks is a Layer 2 blockchain built to bring smart contract functionality and decentralized applications (dapps) to Bitcoin without altering Bitcoin's base layer. It leverages Bitcoin's security and decentralization by anchoring its blocks to Bitcoin blocks through a unique consensus mechanism called Proof of Transfer (PoX). This approach ensures that transactions on Stacks are as irreversible and secure as those on Bitcoin itself. Stacks enables developers to build apps that tap into Bitcoin's vast user base and latent capital, unlocking new possibilities for Bitcoin-based DeFi, NFTs, and more.
The platform uses Clarity, a purpose-built smart contract language designed for security and predictability. Clarity allows developers to write contracts that can directly interact with Bitcoin's state, enabling use cases such as verifying Bitcoin transactions before executing contract logic. Stacks also introduces sBTC, a decentralized, trust-minimized 2-way peg that brings Bitcoin liquidity onto the Stacks chain, making BTC programmable and usable within smart contracts.
Stacks offers a comprehensive developer ecosystem including tutorials, SDKs, and community programs like the Clarity Collective and Code for STX. Developers can run nodes, participate in stacking (a form of Bitcoin-backed consensus participation), and build a variety of applications such as lending protocols, decentralized exchanges, multisig wallets, and identity solutions. The platform is actively evolving with major upgrades like the Nakamoto upgrade, aiming to enhance Bitcoin DeFi's flexibility, composability, and security. Getting started involves exploring the detailed documentation, taking the Stacks Primer course, and using the Quickstart tutorial to build your first smart contract.
The Problem
Bitcoin's base layer lacks native smart contract capabilities, limiting developers who want to build decentralized applications secured by Bitcoin. Existing solutions often compromise on Bitcoin's security or require trust assumptions that reduce decentralization.
The Solution
Key Features
Proof of Transfer consensus
A novel consensus mechanism where miners spend BTC to mine Stacks blocks, linking Stacks security to Bitcoin.
Developer ecosystem and tooling
Includes SDKs, tutorials, node software, and community programs to support building and running Stacks apps.
Stacking mechanism
Allows STX holders to lock tokens and earn Bitcoin rewards, aligning incentives with Bitcoin security.
Key Strengths
How Developers Use Stacks
Bitcoin-backed DeFi applications
Developers build lending protocols, decentralized exchanges, and yield platforms that leverage Bitcoin as collateral and security.
NFT platforms secured by Bitcoin
Creators and marketplaces deploy NFT minting and trading apps using Clarity smart contracts anchored to Bitcoin.
Decentralized identity and naming
Builders create decentralized naming services (.btc domains) and identity solutions integrated with Bitcoin's security.
Power your next build
Discover trusted tools and services in the QuickNode Marketplace. Everything you need to launch faster and scale smarter.
Stacks Alternatives
Explore web3 competitors and apps like Stacks.
Core API
A Document Object Model for Web APIs designed to simplify API consumption and integration.
Connext
Connext is a secure, fast modular interoperability protocol enabling cross-chain fund bridging and asynchronous Solidity development.
Rollups as a Service
A fully managed, customizable rollup deployment platform providing scalable, secure, and high-performance blockchain infrastructure.
Subgraphs
The Graph is a decentralized indexing protocol that organizes blockchain data and makes it easily accessible via GraphQL.
Virtual TestNets
Virtually operated Web3 networks that replicate real blockchain networks for development, testing, and staging without using real assets.
Network APIs
Network APIs provides web3 developer tools focused on blockchain network interactions and API services.
Rarible
Rarible API is a fast, unified NFT API infrastructure providing real-time data and executable market features across Ethereum, Base, Polygon, and more than 10 other chains.
Ormi 0xgraph
Mantle Network is an Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain leveraging zero-knowledge proofs and modular architecture to enhance capital efficiency and scalability.
Blast API
Blast API is a decentralized Web3 infrastructure platform providing geographically distributed blockchain node APIs to improve reliability and latency.
Pricing
Free | |
|---|---|
| Price (Monthly) | Free |
| Price (Annual) | Free |
| Messaging | N/A |
| Support | Community support via Discord, GitHub, and forums |
| Analytics |
Resources
Stacks provides extensive resources including official documentation, tutorials, a 5-day developer primer course, and active community channels to support developers building on Bitcoin via Stacks.