Bitcoin Atom, an ambitious Bitcoin fork due to come into existence within the next few days, plans to solve a substantial problem in the cryptocurrency world. The project will use atomic swaps to allow users to exchange tokens at absolutely minimal costs without any intermediaries or centralized exchanges.
The project also plans to integrate Lightning Swaps (LS) to power extremely fast and cheap transactions.
While the most appealing component of Bitcoin Atom is a potential solution to Bitcoin’s scalability problems, it also has a few other differentiating points. Perhaps foremost among these, Bitcoin Atom uses a hybrid consensus model that combines Proof of Work (POW) and Proof of Stake (POS), two different types of algorithms for reaching consensus, or agreement, on whether or not a transaction is valid before it is added to the blockchain. This hybrid model aims to increase network stability and decrease the threat that a majority group of miners could sabotage the system.
The current process of trading in cryptocurrencies involves several steps, as well as exchange and network fees. For example, if you want to trade Bitcoin for Ethereum, you have to create an account on an exchange such as Bittrex or Binance and place your order. However, with Bitcoin Atom, you’d be able to swap it directly (assuming you already have a wallet with some cryptocurrency to swap).
Atomic swaps are a two-step process that involves placing your order inside your node and then receiving your exchange cryptocurrency. In bypassing third-party exchanges, Bitcoin Atom users can keep their identities private, perform faster trades, and reduce trading fees.
With atomic swaps, either the trade happens, or it doesn’t. There’s no need to blindly trust that another party will fulfill their end of the bargain or to worry about your funds being sent into escrow.
Bitcoin’s scaleability issues have created a major roadblock to mainstream adoption. With the costs of a single Bitcoin transaction nearing $30 at some points over the last couple of months, many cryptocurrency evangelists are searching for a solution.