Stacks

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.