This smooth outcome, however, isn't guaranteed with Segwit2x. Complicating matters is that in many ways, Segwit2x sounds (and is) similar to other bitcoin forks.
Like other recent forks, Segwit2x is:
- An alternative software – A modification of the bitcoin software run by network participants and that enforces the protocol rules. In this case, Segwit2x's code is called BTC1.
- An attempt to increase the block size – Most forks focus on one specific rule of the network (block size), despite other possible optimizations that could lead to capacity boosts.
- A hard fork – Anyone whose software is not upgraded to the new rules will no longer be a part of the network.
It's the differences, however, that stand out this time around.
First and foremost, whereas bitcoin cash developers appeared content to create a new blockchain (with new rules), Segwit2x's goal is to keep all bitcoin's existing users on one blockchain.
In this way, Segwit2x could have different outcomes.
These include:
- Bitcoin's rules change. Most (or all) miners upgrade their software. The bitcoin blockchain continues to function but features larger blocks. Segwit2x's rules become the rules of bitcoin.
- Two bitcoins are created. Only some miners upgrade their software. This creates two blockchains – a so-called "legacy" bitcoin, and a "Segwit2x" bitcoin, both with different rules and unique cryptocurrencies.
- Bitcoin's rules do not change. No significant miners run the new software, and the network continues to run the current rules.