OP_RETURN
OP_RETURN is a script opcode used to terminate the script and return the top value on the stack. This opcode is analogous to the return function in programming languages. The OP_RETURN opcode has a controversial history in Bitcoin and as a result has been primarily used as a means of storing data on the blockchain.
OP_RETURN Functionality
OP_RETURN terminates the script leaving the stack as-is and letting the result on top of the stack determine the success or failure of the script. OP_RETURN can be used in combination with flow control opcodes to implement branching, conditional logic in scripts.
Example
The below script is a metanet node that attaches the Metanet data to a UTXO with funds. This can be used to ensure that metanet nodes are left in the UTXO set
๐๐ฅ๐ผ๐ท๐๐๐๐ | |
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Inputs | Outputs |
<sigmetaParent> <pubKeymetaParent> <sigscript> <pubKeyscript> | DUP HASH160 <pkhscript> EQUALVERIFY CHECKSIG RETURN <meta> <pkmetaNode> <txidmetaParent> |