user64605: In addition to the question in the title, when will Lightning Network go online, or, if there isn't a proposed date yet, what is a ballpark indication of when it might go online?

user81940: pros: 

Lower Transactions Fees
More Transactions per second / block possible
micropayments possible
payments are more private than on bitcoin

cons:

funds are on a hot wallet
(at least currently) node needs to be online all the time
still somewhat buggy
(at least currently) only small amounts can be routed


64605: <p>In addition to the question in the title, when will Lightning Network go online, or, if there isn't a proposed date yet, what is a ballpark indication of when it might go online?</p>
 81940: <p>pros: </p>

<ul>
<li>Lower Transactions Fees</li>
<li>More Transactions per second / block possible</li>
<li>micropayments possible</li>
<li>payments are more private than on bitcoin</li>
</ul>

<p>cons:</p>

<ul>
<li>funds are on a hot wallet</li>
<li>(at least currently) node needs to be online all the time</li>
<li>still somewhat buggy</li>
<li>(at least currently) only small amounts can be routed</li>
</ul>
