Reflection
The distributed computing model of the Individual model is mainstream. Bitcoin: The "Distributed Distributed Computing" model is more secure and reliable. The UTXO model is currently mainly used for currency, and its state model is relatively simple, with scalability still needing improvement. Although the UTXO model was originally designed for currency, its core concept can be extended to broader fields, generalizing the concept of "currency" to "everything", for example: Identity Authentication: UTXO can represent a user's identity information, achieving decentralized identity management. Data Storage: UTXO can represent data ownership and access permissions, building decentralized storage systems. Internet of Things: UTXO can represent the identity and status of IoT devices, enabling secure communication and data exchange between devices. Ethereum: The "Distributed Centralized Computing" model is similar to early computer time-sharing operating systems, where all users share the resources of one computer. This model has certain advantages in terms of efficiency but sacrifices some individual freedom and security. In the long run, not respecting the development direction of the "Individual model" may struggle to become mainstream.
Core Concept
Before delving deeper, we need to understand several key concepts: Mirror World: Human society and the computer Internet world are mirror images of each other, composed of individuals and shared parts. Principles of Building Blockchain: Constructing a blockchain world requires adhering to the principles of individual freedom and shared communication in human society/computer Internet. Bitcoin's UTXO Model: Bitcoin's UTXO individual computation model follows the above principles, but is overly simplistic, suitable only for simple computations and indexing of currency. Expanded UTXO: UTXO is similar to individual privacy in humans or individual terminals in computers, and can be expanded to extend the upper-level value world based on computer Internet. Significance of Bitcoin: Bitcoin, as the third most fundamental mirror world, provides us with a free space to explore a broader value world.
Hierarchical Distributed Computing
To better understand the distributed computing of blockchain, we divide it into two levels: Network Layer: The underlying architecture of the blockchain network, such as P2P network, similar to the Internet. State Layer: The method of storing and updating state on the blockchain platform, built on top of the network layer.
The Centralized Characteristics of Ethereum
Even at the blockchain level, Ethereum's account model shows centralized characteristics. All accounts and data are stored on the Ethereum operating system, similar to a centralized system.
The Distributed Characteristics of Bitcoin
Bitcoin's UTXO model allows each UTXO to compute and perceive independently, similar to personal devices with independent operating systems. This model better aligns with the essence of distribution.
Building a Distributed Value Internet
Only based on a truly distributed computing model like Bitcoin can a more distributed value Internet be built.
Argument Process
To demonstrate its point through a hypothetical scenario: Suppose: If early computer operating systems had only one centralized "Ethereum" system, where all users had to log in to that system to access the Internet, how would our lives today be? Conclusion: Such a centralized system would clearly limit the freedom and development of the Internet.
Analogical Reasoning
Analogizing Bitcoin's UTXO model to personal devices, where each device has its own independent operating system. This analogy emphasizes the distributed nature of the UTXO model.
Core Argument
Ethereum's account model is essentially centralized, and it is impossible to build a truly distributed Internet. Only based on a distributed account computing model like Bitcoin can a higher level of distributed computing be achieved.
Bitcoin: Distributed Distributed Computing
Bitcoin achieves decentralization at both the network layer and the state layer: Network Layer: Bitcoin uses a P2P network, where all nodes are equal, with no centralized servers. State Layer: Bitcoin uses the UTXO model, where each UTXO is independent, containing transaction status information, and can be independently verified and computed. This "Distributed Distributed Computing" model gives Bitcoin strong fault tolerance and censorship resistance.
Ethereum: Distributed Centralized Computing
Ethereum achieves decentralization at the network layer, but presents centralized characteristics at the state layer:
Network Layer: Ethereum also uses a P2P network.
State Layer: Ethereum uses an account model, where the state of all accounts is stored in a global state tree.
This "Distributed Centralized Computing" model, while improving efficiency, also brings certain centralization risks.
Summary
Reflection
The distributed computing models of Bitcoin and Ethereum each have their advantages and disadvantages.
Bitcoin: The "Distributed Distributed Computing" model is more secure and reliable. The UTXO model is currently mainly used for currency, and its state model is relatively simple, with scalability still needing improvement. Although the UTXO model was originally designed for currency, its core concept can be extended to broader fields, generalizing the concept of "currency" to "everything", for example: Identity Authentication: UTXO can represent a user's identity information, achieving decentralized identity management. Data Storage: UTXO can represent data ownership and access permissions, building decentralized storage systems. Internet of Things: UTXO can represent the identity and status of IoT devices, enabling secure communication and data exchange between devices.
Ethereum: The "Distributed Centralized Computing" model is similar to early computer time-sharing operating systems, where all users share the resources of one computer. This model has certain advantages in terms of efficiency but sacrifices some individual freedom and security. In the long run, not respecting the development direction of the "Individual model" may struggle to become mainstream.