Bitcoin: Is the OP_PUSHBYTES_X opcode always required after OP_RETURN?

The OP_PUSHBYTES Opcode: Decoding Its Role in OP_RETURN

In the Bitcoin blockchain, a fundamental opcode plays a crucial role in transaction processing. Two of the most critical opcodes are OP_RETURN and OP_PUSHBYTES. In this article, we will dive into the specifics of these opcodes and explore their interactions.

OP_RETURN: A Self-Depositing Transaction

The OP_RETURN opcode is used to create self-depositing transactions, where a transaction generates nothing but an empty transaction output with a specific hash. This opcode has become a core part of Bitcoin’s scripting language, allowing users to transfer funds without creating unnecessary transaction fees or gas.

To illustrate its usage, let’s look at the example you provided:

tx6dfb16dd580698242bcfd8e433d557ed8c642272a368894de27292a8844a4e75

Here’s how OP_RETURN is used to create a self-deposit transaction:

• The OP_RETURN opcode is executed, which generates an empty transaction output.

• The resulting transaction output is used as the recipient of the self-deposited amount.

OP_PUSHBYTES: A Specialized Opcode for Data Transfer

The OP_PUSHBYTES opcode allows users to transfer data from one address to another without creating a new transaction. In other words, it allows the transfer of binary data, such as images or files, between accounts.

To illustrate its usage, consider the following example:

tx6dfb16dd580698242bcfd8e433d557ed8c642272a368894de27292a8844a4e75

Note: After OP_RETURN, an additional output is created with the hash of tx6dfb16dd580698242bcfd8e433d557ed8c642272a368894de27292a8844a4e75, which is generated using the OP_PUSHBYTES_11 opcode:

OP_RETURN
OP_PUSHBYTES_11 tx6dfb16dd580698242bcfd8e433d557ed8c642272a368894de27292a8844a4e75

This output can then be used to transfer data between accounts, such as an image or a file.

Is OP_PUSHBYTES_X always required after OP_RETURN?

The answer is a bit more nuanced. While the OPUSHBYTES_11 opcode is often used in conjunction with OP_RETURN and OP_RETURN to create complex auto-deposit transactions, it is not always required after OP_RETURN.

Here are some scenarios where OP_PUSHBYTES may or may not be needed:

• If you only want to transfer a small amount of data (e.g. an image) between accounts using OP_RETURN alone.

• When the recipient requires additional contextual information associated with the self-deposit transaction, such as the sender’s public key.

On the other hand, when creating a more complex self-deposit transaction that requires the transfer of larger amounts of data or complex script hashes, using OP_PUSHBYTES can be beneficial to ensure proper execution and verification.

Conclusion

The OPUSHBYTES opcode plays a vital role in Bitcoin’s scripting language, allowing users to transfer binary data between accounts without creating new transactions. While it is often used in conjunction with OP_RETURN, its necessity depends on the specific use case and transaction requirements. By understanding how these opcodes interact, you will be better equipped to create complex self-deposit transactions that are efficient, secure, and easy to understand.

Note: This article assumes a basic understanding of the Bitcoin scripting language and is intended for educational purposes only. For more information on OP_RETURN and OP_PUSHBYTES, please consult the Bitcoin Core documentation or other reliable sources.

futures swap coinbase