Bitcoin node operators move from core to knot

The technical debate has brought strength among the most prominent developers of Bitcoin (BTC), focusing on proposals to change Bitcoin’s core software.

The discussion reported by Cryptootics revolves around the possibility of eliminating the 83-byte limit in the OP_Return transaction, and in a standardized form the approval of multiple operations of that type by transactions in Bitcoin core.

The defenders are many participants highly related to this ecosystem, and among other ideas, these changes argue that, amongst others, these changes better reflect the current use of the network, with opponents pointing out that this situation affects the nature of Bitcoin devised by Atoshi.

Famous Bitcoin developers Jameson Ropp and Peter Todd have shown that those who oppose these changes have the option to resort to alternative implementations such as Bitcoin Knot.

In coincidence with that context, the data shows significant changes. The number of operators is increasing node I’m choosing the knotBitcoin core decreases slightly.

Bitcoin Core for Knots: Technical Choice

Bitcoin Core is the main implementation of the Bitcoin protocol used by most nodes that validate transactions and ensure network integrity. at the moment There are almost 22,000 nodes, of which 20,700 are Bitcoin Core Operatorsaccording to coin.dance data. The overwhelming majority.

Bitcoin Knot, on the other hand, is a branch of the core, led primarily by developer Luke Dashul. He shares the same technology base and respects Bitcoin’s consensus rules, but Knott introduces additional features. Differences resonate with the current debate on Op_return.

Both software is compatible with the Bitcoin network, but the knot is A more restrictive attitude Faced with data circulating in Bitcoin files. The choice of either one does not change the behavior of the network, but reflects technical and philosophical preferences regarding how it should be managed.

Node trends

According to the Cindance site, the number of nodes operating Bitcoin Knots has been increasing since September/October 2024. It will be 220 to 840 in April 2025. That is, over the past eight months, that increase amounts to over 280%.

For Bitcoin Core Nodes, since September last year, has increased from 18,900 to 20,720. Almost 10% increase. This trend shows knots, at least today.

At the same time, Core is registered Reduction of approximately 250 nodes since February 2025moderate, but consistent with discussions regarding the proposed changes in OP_Return. During that same period, knots went from 480 nodes to 820. That is, in recent weeks, Bitcoin Core has lost 250 operators. They increased by almost 50%.

The proposal for a more flexible op_return rule has created concern among some operators. This fears an increase in non-financial data stored in the network. Increases storage and processing requirements. In this scenario, knots with the most selective approach seem to attract people who prioritize more detailed control over the transactions that the node validates.

Network view

The miner, known in X, as Singgekino_miner, offered his position for this transition. “Knot participation is increasing and increasing power in ocean pools and datum hashtashes will undoubtedly be more difficult to undermine blocks filled with data.

These words suggest that an increase in knots can be linked to mine pools such as the ocean. Use the attached data to prioritize transactions. In doing so, these pools may indirectly encourage the use of knots, and their configuration makes it difficult to include blocks with heavy data.

However, the user’s disclosure Enter the ideological nuance Not all operators share, and the real impact of these dynamics on mining is yet to be defined.

Another X user contributed to the technical vision: «The inclusion of spam by miners does not make the Mempool filter useless. The node still rejects anything it doesn’t want to resend or see. Miners are service providers only. A network is something that a complete node accepts. Knots maintain power with the users they belong to».

This comment highlights the key principles of Bitcoin. A complete node validates and determines which transactions to propagate, strengthens consensus rules, and ensures that the network reflects what operators collectively accept. Knots refer to greater autonomy by allowing operators to filter unwanted data, which can be explained Expansion of his adoption at a moment of uncertainty Regarding the proposed changes.

The move to Bitcoin Knot is not a sign of a massive abandonment of Bitcoin core, and this remains a major option. However, the increase in nodes due to a slight drop in the knot and core reflects how technical debates such as OP_Return affect operator decisions.