⚛️Ordinals Theory

The really big bang theory...

The theory of ordinals is a branch of set theory that deals with the study of ordinals, which are a generalization of natural numbers. Ordinals are essential for understanding advanced concepts in mathematics and logic, especially in the context of infinite structures and order. The concept of ordinals in blockchain is essential for understanding how data is ordered and managed within a decentralized ledger. This technical overview will delve into the theory of ordinals, its significance, and how it applies to blockchain technology, focusing on Bitcoin and the creation of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) using the Ordinals protocol.

What are Ordinals (Dead)

Ordinals refer to the unique identifiers assigned to individual units of a dataset to establish a specific order. In the context of blockchain, ordinals are crucial for maintaining the sequence of transactions and data entries, ensuring that the history and state of the blockchain are accurate and verifiable.

Here is a graphical representation of the theory of ordinals in the context of Bitcoin NFTs. This diagram shows the flow from transactions to blocks and highlights the inscribed satoshis as unique identifiers (ordinals) within the blocks.

Explanation of the Diagram

1. Transactions:

   • Transaction 1 is linked to Block N.

   • Transaction 2 is linked to Block N+1.

   • Transaction 3 is linked to Block N+2.

2. Blocks:

   • Block N contains an inscribed satoshi (NFT) with Ordinal: #123456.

   • Block N+1 contains an inscribed satoshi with Ordinal: #123457.

   • Block N+2 is represented with an ellipsis ("...") indicating the continuation of the chain.