4 upvotes, 1 direct replies (showing 1)
when the internet was just gaining traction in the early days, sending an email as an incredibly complex process. one needed knowledge of compiling C code, the unix operating system, and probably knowledge of the SMTP protocol. Fast forward 10/15 years, and even a young child can send an email, thanks to innovation by companies and services such as Hotmail and Gmail. In the case of Bitcoin, Lightening Labs have released specification on the Lightning Protocol. They have also released source code, demonstrating the protocol in action. You'll see a lot of early adopters on Reddit posting screencasts showing the software in action. They'll also talk about opening and funding channels etc. The idea here is that as the Lighting protocol code/specification trickles outward, more and more Bitcoin related companies will integrate this software into their existing platforms and apps, and they will, hopefully, do so in more and more innovative ways. Much like email back in the early 90's, if you want to use Lightning today, you need to grab the source code, compile it, fund a channel etc etc. But as this stuff trickles down and gains traction, the more popular and cutting edge wallets will begin to support it. The best ones will do so in a way where you hardly even know its happening. Thats why Grandma can send an email today with no knowledge of Unix, C, SMTP.....
Comment by cryptothrow42 at 22/12/2017 at 01:20 UTC
1 upvotes, 1 direct replies
thanks! what I have heard about opening a channel doesn't seem so automatic though - even if it could automatically select who to open it with, my understanding is you have to make a decision to prepay a certain amount to the channel. any comment on that?