Segwit2x Developers Label Controversial Bitcoin Code 'Production Release'

The code for the controversial bitcoin scaling proposal Segwit2x is nearing completion.

At least, that's what BitGo CEO and project leader Mike Belshe has claimed in new a mailing list update.

Segwit2x, which aims to initiate a hard fork as part of a bid to increase capacity, has released several code iterations since it launched in May, but software version 1.14.5, the group says, may be close to what is ultimately released and is now being called the "production release."

"The software is working as intended and there have been no bugs or faults," Belshe wrote.

Further evidence of the software's stability, he claimed, is that it survived through both BIP 91 and SegWit activations, two of bitcoin's biggest and most-watched upgrades in recent months.

The claims contrast with voices from some well-known developers in the space, who have argued that software has been created on a rushed timeline and without enough user and bitcoin developer support.

Still, Belshe added that some changes will be allowed. "Only bug fixes and documentation changes that contribute to the success of the November upgrade will be included. Maximum stability and minimum changes are the goal," he wrote.

Perhaps the most-discussed possible change is the addition of so-called "replay protection," which would help prevent users from possibly losing funds should the Segwit2x hard fork fail to convince most users to adopt its changes and abandon the current version of the bitcoin software.

In this light, Belshe went on to urge Segwit2x developers to keep tabs on the project, despite the hard fork not happening until November:

"The Segwit2x project now enters its quiet period as we prepare for the November upgrade. Only software changes absolutely necessary to ensure a safe November upgrade should be considered as changes. During this time, it may seem like nothing is happening or that we don't need to persist. But we do."

Disclosure: CoinDesk is a subsidiary of Digital Currency Group, which helped organize the Segwit2x agreement, and has ownership stake in BitGo.

Code image via Shutterstock