Account Model
Definition
The account model tracks balances directly per address, like a bank account. Transactions modify account states rather than consuming discrete outputs. This simplifies smart contract interactions but requires different privacy and parallelization approaches than UTXO.
Technical Explanation
Account model: global state maps addresses to balances. Transactions: from, to, amount, nonce, signature. State transitions update balances atomically. Smart contracts are accounts with code. Nonces prevent replay attacks.
Post-quantum accounts: signatures use quantum-resistant algorithms. Public keys may be larger, affecting storage. Smart contract verification must support post-quantum signature formats. Ethereum's EVM would need updates for native PQC.
SynX Relevance
SynX implements its transaction model with quantum-resistant signatures regardless of underlying accounting. Whether UTXO or account-based, all state transitions require valid SPHINCS+ signatures. The cryptographic protection applies uniformly across the protocol.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which is more quantum-resistant: UTXO or account?
- Both can be quantum-resistant with proper signatures. UTXO's hashed addresses add defense-in-depth.
- Why does Ethereum use accounts?
- Simpler smart contract state management. UTXO smart contracts are possible but more complex.
- How do nonces work in account models?
- Sequential numbers prevent transaction replay. Each transaction must use the next expected nonce.
Quantum-resistant state transitions. Secure accounts with SynX