<p>Sidechains are supposed to make it possible for users to move bitcoins between different bitcoin-based blockchains with different rule sets. For example, in this way, new techniques for preserving the privacy of transactions or a smart contract system similar to ethereum's could be added to a bitcoin blockchain, without changing the bitcoin blockchain. They are as an architecture for building semi-decentralised products and services for Bitcoin that were simply impossible before. With sidechains, users won’t be affected at all by any new programming.</p>

<p>Drivechain is a two-way peg for interacting with the sidechain. The key difference between drivechains and regular sidechains is who ultimately submits the necessary information to transfer the bitcoins back and forth: the users or the miners.</p>

<p>The side chain idea allows the native cryptocurrency to compete and win out over other competitors, as they are faster confirmed.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2023-01-31T01:46:45.530Z
seems like sidechains can have 2 way pegs as well? https://www.coindesk.com/learn/an-introduction-to-sidechains/
ScottEdwards2000
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-06-19T13:57:28.707Z
2017-06-19T13:57:28.707Z
Bonpay
<p>Altcoins have existed for many years and there are many hundreds of different ones already. A more recent concept is sidechains and drivechains.</p>

<p>What are sidechains and drivechains?</p>

<p>How do they differ from regular altcoins?  </p>

<blockchain><altcoin><sidechains>
What are sidechains and drivechains?
Dr.Haribo
# What are sidechains and drivechains?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2017-06-01)

Altcoins have existed for many years and there are many hundreds of different ones already. A more recent concept is sidechains and drivechains.

What are sidechains and drivechains?

How do they differ from regular altcoins?

**Tags:** blockchain, altcoin, sidechains


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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2017-06-19. Score: 4 | Accepted answer

Sidechains are supposed to make it possible for users to move bitcoins between different bitcoin-based blockchains with different rule sets. For example, in this way, new techniques for preserving the privacy of transactions or a smart contract system similar to ethereum's could be added to a bitcoin blockchain, without changing the bitcoin blockchain. They are as an architecture for building semi-decentralised products and services for Bitcoin that were simply impossible before. With sidechains, users won’t be affected at all by any new programming.

Drivechain is a two-way peg for interacting with the sidechain. The key difference between drivechains and regular sidechains is who ultimately submits the necessary information to transfer the bitcoins back and forth: the users or the miners.

The side chain idea allows the native cryptocurrency to compete and win out over other competitors, as they are faster confirmed.

> **Comments:**
> **username_2**: seems like sidechains can have 2 way pegs as well? https://www.coindesk.com/learn/an-introduction-to-sidechains/  

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