Bridge
Interoperability covers how assets and messages move between Bitcoin, Rootstock, and other networks. Rootstock connects Bitcoin proof-of-work security to EVM-compatible smart contracts through bridges and messaging protocols.
Core Pillars
| Pillar | Description | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Swap SDK | Enable secure movement of assets between Bitcoin and Rootstock using the Swap SDK. | Trustless DeFi & L2 interoperability. |
| PowPeg | SDK for creating native peg-in and peg-out transactions following the PowPeg protocol. | Institutional & high-value transfers. |
| Flyover SDK | A liquidity-based fast bridge that uses LPs to front the funds for the user. | Retail users & fast dApp onboarding. |
| Union (BitVMX) | A trust-minimized 1-of-N bridge that uses optimistic fraud proofs on Bitcoin. | Trustless DeFi & L2 interoperability. |
| Layerzero | Build Omnichain Fungible Token (OFTs) on Rootstock with Layerzero. | Trustless DeFi & L2 interoperability. |
| LI.FI | Omnichain liquidity routing from Ethereum, Arbitrum, Base, and more directly to Rootstock. | Single-transaction cross-chain liquidity. |
| Wormhole | Send arbitrary cross-chain messages to Rootstock using Verified Action Approvals (VAAs). | Cross-chain governance, data sync & multi-chain app logic. |
Key Concepts
1. Peg-In (Bitcoin to Rootstock)
A Peg-In occurs when you send native BTC to a designated vault address on the Bitcoin network. Once confirmed, the Rootstock network mints an equivalent amount of rBTC to your Rootstock address.
2. Peg-Out (Rootstock to Bitcoin)
A Peg-Out is the reverse process: rBTC is burned on Rootstock, and the bridge infrastructure releases native BTC to your Bitcoin address.
3. Trust-Minimized Security (BitVMX)
With the advent of BitVMX, Rootstock bridges are moving toward an optimistic verification model. This allows for Bitcoin-native fraud proofs, meaning that as long as one participant is honest, the bridge remains secure.
Top Tools for Developers
These libraries and services are the usual starting point for bridge and messaging integrations.
- Flyover SDK: The primary library for integrating near-instant bridging into your frontend.
- Swap SDK: Atlas Bridge is a cross-chain bridge for the Rootstock ecosystem. You can use it to move assets between Rootstock and other supported networks.
- LI.FI: Leading cross-chain liquidity aggregator to route swaps and bridges into Rootstock.
- Rootstock Explorer: Visually track cross-chain transactions and bridge health.
Implementation Guides
Explore the recipes below to start integrating bridging solutions into your application.
- Build Omnichain Fungible Token (OFTs) on Rootstock with LayerZero: Cross-chain token transfers using OFT between Rootstock and other supported chains.
- Omnichain Liquidity Routing on Rootstock with LI.FI: Route swaps and bridges from Ethereum, Arbitrum, Base, and more into Rootstock.
- Cross-Chain Messaging with Wormhole: Send arbitrary cross-chain messages to Rootstock using Verified Action Approvals (VAAs).
- Build a Constant-Product AMM on Rootstock (Testnet): Build, test, and deploy a minimal constant-product AMM on Rootstock testnet.
- Integrate a Chainlink-Style Price Feed (Mock) on Rootstock (Testnet): Build and test a mock Chainlink-style price feed consumer on Rootstock testnet.