{"id":"rootstock-rsk","title":"Rootstock (RSK)","content":"**Rootstock (RSK)** is a [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) sidechain that enhances the capabilities of the [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) network by enabling the execution of [smart contracts](https://iq.wiki/wiki/smart-contract). Roostock allows developers to create [decentralized applications (dApps)](https://iq.wiki/wiki/decentralized-application) using [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) as the native asset, thereby leveraging [Bitcoin's](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) status as a secure store of value while also benefiting from the flexibility of [Ethereum’s](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum) [smart contract](https://iq.wiki/wiki/smart-contract) functionality. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-xd4tUfdNv26dgOSq) [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-L1cBFQ8bnCMRmXop)​\n\n## Overview\n\nLaunched in 2018, Rootstock integrates [Ethereum’s Virtual Machine (EVM)](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum-virtual-machine-evm) to provide a seamless environment for developers familiar with [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum) to extend their projects to [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin). The genesis of Rootstock dates back to 2015, with the goal of enhancing [Bitcoin's](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) capabilities by integrating smart contracting functionalities. This vision led to the development and eventual launch of Rootstock’s mainnet in January 2018. Founded by Sergio Demian Lerner and other key contributors, Rootstock aimed to provide a Turing-complete platform interoperable with [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin), thereby bringing [decentralized finance (DeFi)](https://iq.wiki/wiki/defi) applications and other [dApps](https://iq.wiki/wiki/decentralized-application) to the [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) ecosystem.  [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-xd4tUfdNv26dgOSq)  [\\[4\\]](#cite-id-M5ybAI15rY7TvhDl)  [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-2UGUBPnoS1O0EDSQ) \n\n## Technology & Architecture\n\n### Rootstock Virtual Machine (RVM)\n\nThe Rootstock Virtual Machine (RVM) is adapted from the [Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum-virtual-machine-evm), allowing for the execution of [smart contracts](https://iq.wiki/wiki/smart-contract) written for [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum) to run on Rootstock. The RVM aligns closely with the [EVM](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum-virtual-machine-evm) in terms of code compatibility, enabling developers to use existing [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum) tools and libraries, thereby facilitating cross-platform dApp deployment.  [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-2UGUBPnoS1O0EDSQ) \n\n### Two-Way Peg Mechanism\n\nA notable feature of Rootstock is its two-way peg with [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin), which enables the seamless transfer of [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) (BTC) to the Rootstock network as Smart [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) or RBTC, and vice versa. This process involves locking BTC in a multi-signature wallet on the [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) network and generating an equal amount of RBTC on Rootstock. Conversely, RBTC can be converted back to BTC, maintaining a 1:1 peg. This mechanism minimizes risk through automation and is overseen by a federated group of key holders who audit and secure the transactions. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-L1cBFQ8bnCMRmXop)​\n\n### Merged Mining\n\nRootstock utilizes merged mining, enabling [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) miners to simultaneously mine RSK blocks without additional energy or hardware costs. This approach leverages [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin)’s existing proof-of-work infrastructure, providing added security while incentivizing miners with additional rewards generated by the Rootstock network. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-xd4tUfdNv26dgOSq)​\n\n### Low-Latency Network\n\nTo enhance transaction speeds, Rootstock implements the DECOR+ and FastBlock5 protocols, achieving an average block time of 30 seconds. This results in faster transaction processing compared to the [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) mainnet, supporting higher throughput and scalability. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-L1cBFQ8bnCMRmXop)​\n\n## Use Cases\n\n**DeFi Ecosystem**: Rootstock has nurtured a burgeoning [DeFi](https://iq.wiki/wiki/defi) environment, marked by numerous protocols for trading, lending, borrowing, and more. Notable among these is Sovryn, a flagship [DeFi](https://iq.wiki/wiki/defi) protocol that allows for [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin)-backed financial services operations, including trading and lending. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-L1cBFQ8bnCMRmXop)​\n\n**Bridges and Interoperability**: Rootstock provides bridges for [ERC-20](https://iq.wiki/wiki/erc-20) tokens, facilitating seamless asset transfer between [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum) and Rootstock networks. This enhances interoperability and provides comprehensive [DeFi](https://iq.wiki/wiki/defi) solutions harnessing both [Bitcoin’s](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) security and [Ethereum’s](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum) [smart contract](https://iq.wiki/wiki/smart-contract) functionality. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-xd4tUfdNv26dgOSq)​\n\n**Bitcoin-Backed Stablecoins**: Rootstock supports stablecoin issuance, such as Dollar on Chain (DOC) and Sovryn Dollar (DLLR), which are pegged to [fiat currencies](https://iq.wiki/wiki/fiat-money) and backed by [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin), offering stability and liquidity on the network. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-L1cBFQ8bnCMRmXop)​","summary":"Rootstock (RSK) is a Bitcoin sidechain enabling smart contracts to enhance Bitcoin's utility, offering faster transactions and scalability without its own token.","images":[{"id":"QmcseNWLsu494xUxRufAA4fkYeBDdemfWoGjd2YJtBC4AX","type":"image/jpeg, image/png"}],"categories":[{"id":"projects-and-protocols","title":"projects-and-protocols"}],"tags":[{"id":"Layer2"},{"id":"DeFi"},{"id":"Bitcoin"},{"id":"Bridge"},{"id":"Ethereum"}],"media":[],"metadata":[{"id":"references","value":"[{\"id\":\"xd4tUfdNv26dgOSq\",\"url\":\"https://rootstock.io/\",\"description\":\"Rootstock Official Site\",\"timestamp\":1780874383107},{\"id\":\"L1cBFQ8bnCMRmXop\",\"description\":\"Sovryn - What Is Rootstock (RSK)? A Guide to the Smart-Contract-Enabled Bitcoin Sidechain\",\"timestamp\":1780874577123,\"url\":\"https://sovryn.com/all-things-sovryn/what-is-rootstock-rsk\"},{\"id\":\"2UGUBPnoS1O0EDSQ\",\"url\":\"https://rootstock.io/rsk-white-paper-updated.pdf\",\"description\":\"RSK White Paper\",\"timestamp\":1780874383107},{\"id\":\"M5ybAI15rY7TvhDl\",\"description\":\"Medium - What is Rootstock (RSK)?\",\"timestamp\":1780874606354,\"url\":\"https://medium.com/@blockchainexpertuk/what-is-rootstock-rsk-99e7c12c76c7\"}]"},{"id":"website","value":"https://rootstock.io/"},{"id":"twitter_profile","value":"https://twitter.com/RskSmartNetwork"},{"id":"discord_profile","value":"https://discord.gg/rootstock"},{"id":"commit-message","value":"\"Added Rootstock (RSK) overview and projects-and-protocols category\""}],"events":[],"user":{"id":"0x8af7a19a26d8fbc48defb35aefb15ec8c407f889"},"author":{"id":"0x8af7a19a26d8fbc48defb35aefb15ec8c407f889"},"operator":{"id":"0x4a2bC97afBF41a2Cbf4b4628F63420682Ff4CF2a"},"language":"en","version":1,"linkedWikis":{"blockchains":["bitcoin"],"founders":[],"speakers":[]}}