The core advantage of RGB++ (1): Bridgeless Cross-Chain Interaction

Source: Bytecoin CKB

In the previous article 'RGB++ Homomorphic Binding and Its Security', we discussed in depth how RGB++ cleverly binds BTC's UTXO with CKB's Cell. This innovative homomorphic binding technology not only simplifies user verification operations, but also maintains a high level of security. At the same time, we also briefly mentioned the Leap operation of RGB++, which opens up broader application scenarios for users and paves the way for Cross-Chain Interaction interoperability.

Today, let's delve into the Leap function of RGB++, and understand its basic principles and unique advantages in detail.

Basic Principles of Leap

In previous articles, we used land, paper deeds, and electronic deeds as examples to introduce the basic principles and operation process of RGB++ homomorphic binding technology. Through that example, it is not difficult to find that the ownership of RGB++ assets (i.e., the 'land' in the example) is closely linked to BTC's UTXO (i.e., the 'paper deeds' in the example). Whoever can transfer or spend this UTXO ('paper deeds') can unlock the corresponding RGB++ assets ('land'), because the unlocking condition set by the Cell containing the interpretation of RGB++ assets (i.e., the 'electronic deeds' in the example) is the transfer of UTXO on BTC ('paper deeds') (that is, only when the 'paper deeds' change, the 'electronic deeds' will also change).

If we construct an RGB++ transaction on-chain in BTCBlock, and set its unlocking condition to be the UTXO of another chain instead of BTC, this asset is equivalent to being cross-chain interacted to another on-chain, because when this asset is spent next time, it needs to be unlocked by the UTXO of another chain. This is the core principle of Leap's bridgeless cross-chain interaction, which essentially involves 'rebinding' the UTXO bound to the RGB++ asset, such as rebinding the asset from BTC UTXO to CKB, Cardano, or Fuel UTXO on other on-chains, thereby transferring the control authority of the asset from the BTC account to the Cardano account.

Currently, RGB++ has achieved bi-directional Leap of assets between the BTC blockchain and the CKB blockchain. It is reported that the RGB++ team is actively promoting the extension of isomorphic binding and Leap functionality to other UTXO blockchains. In the future, RGB++ assets will be able to shuttle freely between these blockchains, achieving truly seamless Cross-Chain Interaction transfer.

For users, the Leap operation of RGB++ assets can currently be performed through JoyID Wallet and asset manager Mobit.

Advantages of Leap Bridge Cross-Chain Interaction

Cross-Chain Interaction, which allows encryption assets to flow freely between different block chains, has become a rigid demand in the multi-chain world. However, the world of block chains has been suffering from cross-chain interaction for a long time. On the one hand, it is because the mainstream Cross-Chain Interaction bridge on the market often adopts the multi-signature method, which requires a high trust assumption, and several multi-signature parties who trust the Cross-Chain Interaction bridge will not do evil or steal themselves, while the Cross-Chain Interaction scheme with relatively weak trust assumption is difficult to implement due to poor user experience (for example, the proof-of-state bridge will be slow). And it didn't get mass adoption. On the other hand, in the dark forest world of the Block chain, the Cross-Chain Interaction bridge has always been the target of hackers, and every time the Cross-Chain Interaction bridge fails, it will bring huge losses.

In contrast, the Leap Cross-Chain Interaction technology of RGB++ has created a new paradigm: it completely abandons the traditional multi-signature Cross-Chain Interaction bridge, achieving true permissionless, trustless, secure, and efficient Cross-Chain Interaction transfer.

Truly permissionless

Assuming Alice has issued a Meme coin on BTC on-chain, she goes to the project party or operator of the multi-sig Cross-Chain Interaction bridge and asks them to support its Cross-Chain Interaction to L2, but is likely to be rejected. Traditional multi-sig Cross-Chain Interaction bridges often only support staking and generating corresponding wrapped assets for a few top assets, and do not support assets with low volume or insufficient popularity. This is because deploying contracts, setting up multi-sig, monitoring asset changes at multi-sig addresses, and generating wrapped assets all require a lot of manpower and resources.

The Leap function of RGB++ is completely decentralized and does not require any permission. Any asset issued on BTC on-chain through the RGB++ protocol can be freely leaped between supported Blockchains without any third-party authorization or support. Therefore, if Alice issues a Meme coin on BTC on-chain through the RGB++ protocol, she can leap this Meme coin to CKB on-chain at any time, and also leap back at any time, with freedom to come and go. This openness will provide unprecedented opportunities for innovative projects and niche assets.

No Need for Trust Assumptions

Even if the multi-sig cross-chain bridges' project party or operator agrees to Alice's request and supports the issuance of Meme coin, the trust assumption still exists. In traditional multi-sig cross-chain bridges, users stake or lock encryption assets into multi-sig addresses, and users need to trust that the operator of the cross-chain bridges will not behave maliciously, will not embezzle, and will not Rug Pull, because once the assets enter the multi-sig address, the users lose direct control over the assets.

RGB++'s Leap technology completely eliminates this trust layer, as there are no intermediaries or custodians involved in the entire process, and assets are always under the complete control of users, without any trust assumptions needed.

Security

Multi-sig cross-chain bridges have always been a fierce target for hackers because everyone's assets are locked in a multi-sig Address. Once a successful attack is made, a large amount of wealth can be stolen from it. That's why every time a cross-chain bridges incident occurs, it results in huge losses of millions, tens of millions, or even hundreds of millions of dollars. Therefore, Alice and her users need to pray every day that cross-chain bridges will not encounter any issues. Otherwise, her issuance of MEME coin may be stolen by hackers or become worthless.

RGB++'s Leap adopts a point-to-point Cross-Chain Interaction mode, completely avoiding the risk of centralized asset storage. Each Cross-Chain Interaction is independent, and assets are always controlled by the user's Private Key, fundamentally enhancing security.

Efficient

The RGB++ protocol's Leap non-bridge cross-chain interaction, in order to prevent block reorganization, needs to be avoided by confirming through several more blocks (the specific time depends on the block speed and network congestion, especially the BTC network). For users, since cross-chain interaction is not a very high-frequency operation, this time is slower than the multi-signature cross-chain interaction bridge, but it is within an acceptable range, especially considering the advantages of Leap cross-chain interaction, such as increased security and no need for trust assumptions.

Conclusion

RGB++'s Leap technology not only solves the trust and security issues faced by traditional Cross-Chain Interaction bridges, but more importantly, it has created a new paradigm for Cross-Chain Interaction. As more UTXO chains join the RGB++ ecosystem in the future, the value of this bridgeless Cross-Chain Interaction technology will be further magnified. It can not only promote the flow of value between different blockchains, but also has the potential to drive the entire blockchain ecosystem towards a more open, secure, and efficient direction.

We believe that in the future of multi-chain coexistence, RGB++'s Leap technology will play an increasingly important role.