The Bitcoin (BTC) network needs a “conservative” Bitcoin client node software implementation to preserve its monetary properties and strengthen network decentralization, according to Jimmy Song, co-founder of ProductionReady, a non-profit organization funding open source Bitcoin node software development and education.
The organization has a “bias” against significant code changes, unless there is “overwhelming” community support for the change, Song told Cointelegraph.
“The general principle is: if you’re not sure a change makes the money better, don’t make it,” he said.

_The number of Bitcoin nodes, broken down by software implementation, between 2016 and 2026. Source: _Coin Dance
ProductionReady expects to restore the 83-byte OP_Return data limit for arbitrary, non-monetary information in Bitcoin transactions, he said, adding that keeping node storage costs down by limiting arbitrary data is essential to network decentralization. He said:
“The more self-sovereign Bitcoin users are, the more decentralized and resilient the network becomes. That means keeping the cost of running a node low enough for ordinary people to do it.
“When storage and bandwidth requirements grow, fewer people verify for themselves, and the network centralizes by default. A conservative client takes that tradeoff seriously,” Song continued.
Maximizing nodes and making them accessible to the average user hardens the Bitcoin network, reducing the chances of cheating by submitting false transactions or a few actors colluding to centralize the network.

_Bitcoin Core continues to be the software of choice for node runners, with 77.8% of the network running some version of the Core software and 21.8% running Bitcoin Knots. Source: _Coin Dance
**Related: **__72% of subsea cables would need to fail to impact Bitcoin, study shows
Bitcoin Core 30 removes the OP_Return data limit, sparking major pushback
Node storage and onchain spam became hot-button topics in 2025 after Bitcoin Core developers unilaterally changed the 83-Byte data limit in Bitcoin Core version 30, the latest major upgrade to the reference implementation for Bitcoin node software.
The limit was changed to 100,000 bytes despite significant pushback from the Bitcoin community. For context, the proposal to change the limit received about 4 times as many downvotes as it did upvotes, according to the proposal’s GitHub pull request page.
Bitcoin Core 30 went live in October 2025, triggering a historic surge in the number of Bitcoin nodes running Bitcoin Knots, an alternative implementation of the node client software.

_The number of nodes running Bitcoin Knots surged to record highs in 2025, following the release of Bitcoin Core 30. Source: _Coin Dance
There are 4,746 Bitcoin Knots nodes, representing over 21.7% of nodes on the network, according to Coin Dance.
Only about 1% of the network was running the Knots software in 2024 before the decision to remove the OP_Return function was announced.
**Magazine: **__Bitcoin may face hard fork over any attempt to freeze Satoshi’s coins
Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently. Read our Editorial Policy https://cointelegraph.com/editorial-policy
- #Bitcoin
- #Decentralization
- #Nodes
- #Bitcoin Adoption
Disclaimer: The information on this page may come from third parties and does not represent the views or opinions of Gate. The content displayed on this page is for reference only and does not constitute any financial, investment, or legal advice. Gate does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information and shall not be liable for any losses arising from the use of this information. Virtual asset investments carry high risks and are subject to significant price volatility. You may lose all of your invested principal. Please fully understand the relevant risks and make prudent decisions based on your own financial situation and risk tolerance. For details, please refer to
Disclaimer.
Related Articles
BTC rises 0.69% over 15 minutes: spot buy-side strength and sustained whale accumulation on-chain reinforce the move
From 14:30 to 14:45 (UTC) on 2026-04-17, the Bitcoin (BTC) market saw clear signs of abnormal movement. The 15-minute candlestick return reached +0.69%, with the price ranging from 77455.4 to 78044.4 USDT and an amplitude of 0.76%. Short-term fluctuations increased market attention, trading volume expanded in parallel, and liquidity improved further.
The main driver behind this abnormal move was a clear strengthening of spot-market buy-side demand. According to on-chain and statistical data, from 14:00 to 15:00, BTC spot buys had the upper hand. Massive buy orders continued to push the price higher, while whale addresses (≥10,000 BTC holdings) were actively net-buying during this period. The inflow of large on-chain funds directly drove spot prices higher. In addition, CME Bitcoin futures open interest increased by 70%, yet there was no large-scale liquidation or forced selling, indicating that institutional capital was returning in an orderly manner and that futures leverage did not become the dominant source of pressure. The leading force behind this upswing came from the spot market, and any wait-and-see sentiment caused by shrinking ETF flows did not suppress short-term prices.
Meanwhile, on-chain data shows that network activity has continued to rise, and the distribution of holdings is becoming more concentrated. In the short term, the coordinated effect of whales and newly onboarded users amplified price elasticity. Benefiting from an increase in macro risk appetite in mid-April—along with dovish signals from the Bank of Japan coinciding with easing geopolitical tensions—BTC’s attractiveness as a risk asset improved, and investors’ risk appetite strengthened. In addition, although ETF net inflows fell to $4.2 million, there were no large outflows, providing bottom support for spot. Multiple factors converged to drive BTC’s short-term rebound within the 15-minute window.
It is worth noting that the SOPR data for short-term holders shows that some short-term capital is currently trading at a loss; if the price pulls back, there may be a risk of additional downside. Changes in institutional capital driven by shrinking ETF flows are also a potential trigger for volatility. The return of leveraged funds to the futures market is also worth watching. Investors should closely monitor key support levels, the movements of actively circulating on-chain funds, and changes in macro news, so they can grasp the market’s timing and stay up to date with more real-time market information.
GateNews20m ago
BTC breaks through 78000 USDT
Gate News bot message, Gate market shows, BTC breaks through 78000 USDT, current price 78000 USDT.
CryptoRadar25m ago
Sui Targets South Korea for Financial Partnerships, Plans Won-Pegged Stablecoin and Bitcoin Products
Sui, a Layer 1 blockchain project, aims to expand in South Korea by collaborating with financial institutions and technology companies. Key initiatives include developing a stablecoin pegged to the won and enhancing its developer ecosystem with the Move programming language.
GateNews25m ago
Smart Trader pension-usdt.eth Faces $15.5M Loss on BTC and ETH Short Positions Amid Market Rally
Gate News message, smart trader pension-usdt.eth is currently experiencing losses exceeding $15.5 million on short positions of 1,000 BTC (valued at $77.5 million) and 20,000 ETH (valued at $48.7 million) due to the market rally. The trader's total profit has decreased from $33.28 million to $14.98
GateNews34m ago
Whale Liquidates $90M BTC Short Position on Hyperliquid, Suffers $5.39M Daily Loss
A major trader liquidated 1,184.74 BTC, worth around $90 million, to mitigate liquidation risk amid a BTC price surge, incurring a $5.39 million loss. Year-to-date losses for the account now total $43.81 million.
GateNews35m ago
BTC rises 0.58% in 15 minutes: derivatives leverage inflows and whale fund reallocation together lift the price
2026-04-17 13:45 to 14:00 (UTC), BTC’s short-term price return reached +0.58%. The traded price range was between 76626.0 and 77412.2 USDT, with a 1.02% amplitude. During this period, market volatility slightly increased, capital activity rose, and industry attention noticeably heated up.
The main driving force behind this abnormal move is the concentrated inflow of leveraged capital into the derivatives market. Within 24 hours, the total open interest in BTC futures and perpetual contracts surged 8.09%, reaching a record 50.8B USD. Leveraged capital entered quickly, pushing the price higher in the short term.
GateNews1h ago