QSBitcoin Vocabulary

Algorithm ID

A single byte identifier in QSBitcoin signatures that specifies which quantum algorithm is being used: 0x01 for ECDSA, 0x02 for ML-DSA-65, 0x03 for SLH-DSA-192f. This allows the unified opcodes to support multiple algorithms.

Address

A unique identifier, derived from a public key, used to send and receive QSBitcoin. Similar to an email address or bank account number, but for cryptocurrency.

Blockchain

A distributed, immutable public ledger where transactions are recorded in chronological blocks. Each block is cryptographically linked to the previous one, forming a chain.

Cryptography

The science of secure communication techniques that allow only the sender and intended recipient of a message to view its contents. In cryptocurrencies, it's used for securing transactions, controlling supply, and verifying ownership.

Decentralized

A system or network that operates without a central authority or single point of control. Control is distributed among participants.

Digital Signature

A cryptographic mechanism used to verify the authenticity and integrity of a digital message or document. In QSBitcoin, it proves ownership of the private key associated with funds being spent, without revealing the key itself.

ECDSA (Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm)

The digital signature algorithm used by Bitcoin and many other cryptocurrencies. It relies on the difficulty of the Elliptic Curve Discrete Logarithm Problem and is considered vulnerable to attacks by large-scale quantum computers.

Faucet

A system (usually a website or bot) that dispenses small amounts of cryptocurrency for free, typically used on test networks for experimentation and development purposes.

Hash Function

A mathematical function that takes an input (of any size) and produces a fixed-size output string (the "hash"). It's designed to be one-way (hard to reverse) and collision-resistant (hard to find two inputs that produce the same output). Used extensively in blockchains for linking blocks and verifying data integrity.

Lattice-based Cryptography

A type of post-quantum cryptography based on mathematical problems involving lattices (geometric structures). ML-DSA-65 uses module lattice problems and is one of QSBitcoin's quantum-safe signature algorithms.

liboqs

Open Quantum Safe library (v0.12.0+) used by QSBitcoin to implement NIST-standardized post-quantum cryptographic algorithms. Provides implementations of ML-DSA and SLH-DSA signature schemes.

ML-DSA-65 (Module-Lattice Digital Signature Algorithm)

A NIST-standardized post-quantum signature algorithm used in QSBitcoin for standard transactions. Features: 1,952 byte public keys, ~3,309 byte signatures, NIST Level 3 security. Recommended for 99% of users.

Mining

The process by which new QSBitcoin transactions are verified and added to the blockchain. Miners use computing power to solve complex problems; the winner gets to add the next block and receives a reward.

NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology)

A US agency that develops standards and guidelines for various technologies, including cryptography. QSBitcoin uses NIST-standardized post-quantum algorithms ML-DSA-65 and SLH-DSA-192f.

Node

A computer participating in the QSBitcoin peer-to-peer network. Nodes store a copy of the blockchain (or parts of it), validate transactions and blocks, and relay information to other nodes.

OP_CHECKSIG_EX / OP_CHECKSIGVERIFY_EX

QSBitcoin's unified opcodes (0xb3 and 0xb4) that handle all quantum signature verification. These repurposed NOP opcodes support multiple algorithms through the algorithm ID in signature data, enabling extensibility without additional opcodes.

Open Source

Software whose source code is made publicly available, allowing anyone to view, modify, and distribute it. QSBitcoin is released under the MIT license at github.com/qsbitcoin/qsbitcoin.

P2WSH (Pay-to-Witness-Script-Hash)

The address format used for all QSBitcoin quantum addresses. These appear as standard bech32 addresses (bc1q... on mainnet) but contain quantum-safe witness scripts internally.

Peer-to-Peer (P2P)

A network architecture where participants (peers) interact directly with each other without needing a central server or intermediary.

Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)

Cryptographic algorithms designed to be secure against attacks by both classical computers and anticipated future quantum computers. QSBitcoin utilizes PQC for its core security.

Private Key

A secret piece of data (like a password) that proves ownership of QSBitcoin associated with a specific address. It is used to create digital signatures to authorize transactions. Must be kept absolutely secret.

Proof-of-Work (PoW)

A consensus mechanism used in blockchain networks (like Bitcoin and potentially QSBitcoin) where miners compete to solve a computationally intensive puzzle to validate transactions and create new blocks. This work secures the network.

Public Key

A piece of data derived from a private key that can be shared publicly. It is used to generate addresses for receiving funds and to verify digital signatures created by the corresponding private key.

Quantum Computer

A type of computer that utilizes principles of quantum mechanics (like superposition and entanglement) to perform certain calculations exponentially faster than classical computers. Poses a threat to current cryptographic algorithms like ECDSA.

Quantum Resistance / Quantum Safety

The property of a cryptographic algorithm or system being secure against attacks mounted by quantum computers.

Recovery Phrase / Seed Phrase

A list of words (typically 12 or 24) that can be used to regenerate a wallet's private keys. Note: Quantum keys in QSBitcoin do not support HD derivation, so each quantum address requires fresh entropy and cannot be derived from a seed.

SCRIPT_VERIFY_QUANTUM_SIGS

The script verification flag (bit 21) that enables quantum signature verification in QSBitcoin. When active, allows quantum signatures to bypass the 520-byte push size limit.

Shor's Algorithm

A quantum algorithm known for its ability to efficiently factor large numbers and solve the discrete logarithm problem (including the elliptic curve variant). This makes it capable of breaking ECDSA signatures used in Bitcoin, which is why QSBitcoin implements quantum-safe alternatives.

SLH-DSA-192f (Stateless Hash-Based Digital Signature Algorithm)

A NIST-standardized hash-based post-quantum signature algorithm used in QSBitcoin for high-value cold storage. Features: 48 byte public keys, ~35,664 byte signatures, NIST Level 3 security. Maximum security but larger signatures.

Soft Fork

A backward-compatible upgrade to the Bitcoin protocol. QSBitcoin is implemented as a soft fork, meaning non-upgraded nodes still see quantum transactions as valid (anyone-can-spend), maintaining network compatibility.

Testnet

An alternative blockchain network used for testing and experimentation. Coins on a testnet have no real-world value.

Transaction

A record of the transfer of QSBitcoin from one address to another, broadcast to the network and included in the blockchain.

Wallet

Software or hardware used to store private keys, manage addresses, and interact with the blockchain. QSBitcoin Core wallet supports quantum descriptors (qpkh) and can generate both ML-DSA and SLH-DSA addresses.

Weight Units

Bitcoin's transaction size measurement system. QSBitcoin uses special weight factors for quantum signatures: 3x for ML-DSA (25% discount vs ECDSA's 4x) and 2x for SLH-DSA (50% discount), reflecting actual validation costs.

Witness Script

The script placed in the witness data of a segregated witness transaction. For QSBitcoin quantum addresses, this contains: <pubkey> OP_CHECKSIG_EX. The algorithm type is determined from the signature, not the script.