Understanding Ordinal Storage with the Ethereum Blockchain
The Bitcoin blockchain is designed to store a limited set of assets, primarily cryptocurrencies. However, there is another type of asset that can be stored on the blockchain: ordinals.
In this article, we will explore what ordinals are, how they work with the Ethereum blockchain, and why they are gaining attention.
What is an ordinal?
An ordinal is a new class of digital asset introduced by Ethereum in 2017. It is a way of storing unique identities, similar to names or tags, but unlike traditional cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum (ETH).
Ordinals are designed to provide a more secure and flexible way of representing data, similar to the way URLs point to websites. They are also resistant to censorship, tampering, and blockchain manipulation.
What is stored on the Blockchain?
On the Ethereum blockchain, ordinals are stored in a new class of assets called “ordinals.” When a ordinal is created, it is assigned a unique identifier known as a “hash.” This hash is used to associate a sequence number with its corresponding label (also known as a “name”).
In other words, a sequence number on the Ethereum blockchain represents a specific data point or concept. The data associated with a sequence number can be anything from a piece of text to an image file.
How sequence numbers work
To illustrate how sequence numbers work, let’s consider an example:
Suppose we have two ordinals: ORDINAL-A and ORDINAL-B. They represent the same piece of text “Hello World”. The label for ORDINAL-A would be associated with this text using a hash.
When you update the text associated with ORDINAL-A, it is updated, but its connection to the original text remains intact. This ensures that you are always referring to the correct piece of data, even if the underlying code or storage mechanism changes.
Allegedly cited Doom clone
As you mentioned earlier, a user uploaded a Doom clone (a fictional game) to the Bitcoin blockchain using ordinals. Specifically, they created an ordinal called ` and associated it with a tag representing a Doom clone.
While this is a fascinating example, it is important to note that the blockchain is compromised. The game’s code load contains malicious updates (malware) designed to exploit vulnerabilities in the system. This highlights the importance of verifying the integrity of the blockchain and ensuring the security of the data stored on it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ordinals are a new class of digital assets that can be stored on the Ethereum blockchain. They provide a secure way to represent unique identities and concepts, offering a more flexible alternative to traditional cryptocurrencies. While we have seen some examples of ordinals being used in creative ways, it is crucial to remember the importance of verifying the integrity of the blockchain and ensuring its security.
Further Reading
If you want to learn more about ordinals or explore the Ethereum blockchain, I recommend checking out the following resources:
- [Ethereum Whitepaper]( (2017)
- [Ordinals on GitHub](
- [Ethereum.org ordinal documentation](
Note: This article is intended to provide a general understanding of ordinals and their potential applications. Before making any conclusions or decisions about the use of ordinals in real-world scenarios, it is essential to verify all information through reputable sources.