What Is a “Stack-Based” Language and How Does It Contribute to the Security Model of Bitcoin’s Script?
A stack-based language is one that manages data using a "last-in, first-out" (LIFO) stack structure. In Bitcoin's Script, operations (opcodes) manipulate items on this stack, pushing results back onto it for the next operation.
This design contributes to security by being simple and deterministic. There are no complex variables or memory states to manage, making the outcome of a script easy to predict and verify.
Every operation is explicit and its effect on the stack is well-defined, which drastically reduces the potential for unintended side effects common in more complex programming models.
Glossar
Stack-Based Language
Architecture ⎊ Stack-based languages, within the context of cryptocurrency and financial derivatives, represent a computational paradigm where all operations are performed using a stack data structure.
Bitcoin Script
Architecture ⎊ Bitcoin Script functions as a stack-based, forth-like programming language embedded within transactions, defining spending conditions for Bitcoin outputs.