Blockstream, the Bitcoin start-up, has officially launched a system which processes micropayment, which it states makes it easier and simpler to create bitcoin apps. Named Lightning Charge, the new system matches the existing Blockstream Lightning Network operation called \'c-lightning\' and aims to ensure the easy and simple development of Lightning-powered payments applications for developers. 

Written in node.js, Lightning Charge\'s features can be reached via an API using PHP and JavaScript libraries, which are also part of the Elements Project. The firm wrote in a blog post that web developers will be able to improve development and functionality including invoice metadata, currency conversion and streaming payment updates. 

What\'s more, Blockstream has also launched an e-commerce store driven by Lightning Charge, allowing users of Lightning micropayments to effectively utilise the bitcoin mainnet. However, they are still testing Lightning, so the organisation have warned that those who use the store should know that it is at their own risk. Lighting Network is already one of the most hotly anticipated bitcoin-scaling solutions around. 

Instead of changing the bitcoin code, Lightning works by adding a layer to the bitcoin network, meaning that transactions would be made more cheaply and quicker. Last month, Bitrefill, the prepaid phone payment provider, allegedly used Lightning to top up a mobile phone.