Charlie Lee, creator of Litecoin, suggests that the blockchain could add a feature called OP_CTV in its next update:
For 0.20, we are exploring adding @JeremyRubin's CTV (CheckTemplateVerify) feature as a soft fork. Check out https://utxos.org I think this is an awesome feature and I hope deploying this first on Litecoin will allow us to test out new smart contract capabilities. ??
This would allow Litecoin users to make use of certain smart contracts (or blockchain programs) that provide:
- Crypto custody and storage
- Reduced transaction fees
- Easier Lightning payment channels
These smart contracts would not allow users to create tokens like Ethereum smart contracts do, according to Litecoin educator /u/ecurrencyholder.
The feature was developed by Bitcoin developer Jeremy Rubin; however, the feature has not yet been implemented in Bitcoin itself.
The feature would be introduced in Litecoin 0.20, which will "bring [Litecoin] in line with the latest Bitcoin Core."
A release date for 0.20 has not yet been announced.
