System architecture

Nostr

Nostr is the social layer of Satcode. Bounties, taker acceptance, comments, submissions, disputes, evidence, selection, votes, verdicts, registrations, and attestations are all signed Nostr events that cannot be altered or forged. Satcode users don't have to be Nostr experts in order to use the platform effectively.

Arkade

The SatCode design leans on Arkade, Ark Labs' implementation and SDK for the Ark protocol, for vTXOs, Taproot script construction, threshold Tapscript, and most notably, output introspection. Ark Labs operate the Ark server but cannot move user funds from the escrow unilaterally. That being said, there is still trust involved that the Ark server remains reachable and operational to enforce the escrow contracts.

Bitcoin

Bitcoin acts as the final settlement layer for Arkade. Timelocks enforced on-chain ensure unilateral exits for user funds. What Bitcoin L1 does not enforce are the Arkade SDK-specific covenant-esque features in the escrow contracts that dispute resolution depends on.