LN progression

[WhyFhy]

I'm looking to get your insights on the evolution of the Lightning Network over the past couple of years. As someone who hasn't used it in a while, I'm curious to know how it has matured and evolved during this time.

Back when I last used it, the Lightning Network was still in its early stages, with a lot of potential but also many challenges to overcome. I remember there were concerns about liquidity, routing, and the overall user experience. I could poke stuff and break it, but I wouldn't understand why it broke in the first place.

So, for those of you who have been actively using or following the Lightning Network, I'd love to hear your thoughts. How has the network evolved? Have there been significant improvements in terms of scalability, speed, and fees? How about the user experience - has it become more user-friendly?

Also, I'm interested in any new applications or use cases that have emerged as a result of these developments. Are there any standout projects or initiatives that you think are worth highlighting?

I'm looking for a new project to participate in or conjure up something new all around and want to go back into LN
Are we still on #reckless or has that image faded?

[1714513725]

1714513725

[Yamane_Keto]

This forum is a time portal through which you can pass through the events and developments of LN using this thread from the year 2021, and by reading the comments, you can get a brief bulletin. The Lightning Network node experience
Otherwise, it is difficult to get an answer if you ask in a very general way, and it is difficult to get an answer to an obscure question.
Using a Custodial LN wallet is the easiest because you don't need a lot of setups, and in the end, second layer solution is mainly intended for small transactions in terms of value.

[LoyceV]

Back when I last used it, the Lightning Network was still in its early stages, with a lot of potential but also many challenges to overcome.

I'm more or less in the same boat, I haven't used LN as much as I would have liked lately, and that's mostly because the services I use don't accept it. The one major change (for me) is that BlueWallet stopped offering custodial LN. This was one of my favourite wallets.
There are now more exchanges that accept LN, but I haven't used them yet (I don't need an exchange to use LN).

[darkv0rt3x]

There are some platforms that can show you a few stats on the LN. I like to use "amboss.space". There is also LightningNetwork.plus (not stats  but shows you lots of services) and also lnrouter.app. There are just a few examples!

https://amboss.space/
https://lightningnetwork.plus/
https://lnrouter.app/

[taufik123]

Back when I last used it, the Lightning Network was still in its early stages, with a lot of potential but also many challenges to overcome.

I'm more or less in the same boat, I haven't used LN as much as I would have liked lately, and that's mostly because the services I use don't accept it. The one major change (for me) is that BlueWallet stopped offering custodial LN. This was one of my favourite wallets.
There are now more exchanges that accept LN, but I haven't used them yet (I don't need an exchange to use LN).

Blue Wallet is also my favorite LN Wallet and the first wallet I use for LN Bitcoin transactions.
But unfortunately they are discontinuing the Lightning Network and BlueWallet in the future will only support its own custody solution.

Are you not switching to Electrum Wallet's LN network?
Electrum is also my Wallet of Choice at the moment.

In regards to exchanges that support Lightning Network, this list might help. (But ignore those of you who don't use Exchange)

List Lightning Exchanges
https://github.com/theDavidCoen/LightningExchanges

[LoyceV]

Are you not switching to Electrum Wallet's LN network?
Electrum is also my Wallet of Choice at the moment.

I like Electrum, but I don't like opening my own channels. It has too many drawbacks. I now (only) have Phoenix Wallet left for LN: opening a channel is custodial, but after that it's non-custodial.

[taufik123]

I like Electrum, but I don't like opening my own channels. It has too many drawbacks. I now (only) have Phoenix Wallet left for LN: opening a channel is custodial, but after that it's non-custodial.

Never tried Phoenix Wallet, but according to the article I read Phoenix has an exchange feature that allows you to send money to regular Bitcoin wallets and wallets that can use Lightning.
 
Phoenix also has higher Lightning fees than similar wallets.
That's because Phoenix Wallet will ask for a lot of fees when it sees payments to regular Bitcoin Network addresses.

Have you not tried other LN Wallets such as Eclair Mobile with a development that is finalized Eclair is also built by the same developer as Phoenix which is the first Bitcoin Lightning Network Mobile Wallet launched on the market.

There are still several other wallets that are non-custodial such as Breez, ZAP etc.

[Wind_FURY]

Back when I last used it, the Lightning Network was still in its early stages, with a lot of potential but also many challenges to overcome.

I'm more or less in the same boat, I haven't used LN as much as I would have liked lately, and that's mostly because the services I use don't accept it. The one major change (for me) is that BlueWallet stopped offering custodial LN. This was one of my favourite wallets.

There are now more exchanges that accept LN, but I haven't used them yet (I don't need an exchange to use LN).

I'm also in the same situation. But in their blog, BlueWallet suggested to use PhoenixWallet for LN transactions as a replacement. So perhaps try that.

Personally, I have the app downloaded but I don't have the time to use it yet. 90% of my Lightning usage is making a deposit to BetPlay.io to play Craps. No time for losing my precious coins now, the price is going up. Hahaha.