Private key
4 stars based on
62 reviews
The easiest way to understand private keys is to think about an old-fashioned mailbox system:. Similarly, if she wants to send Bitcoin to Peter, she needs to know his Bitcoin address, which is a number that uniquely identifies him. This is also sometimes called his wallet address, or public key, which functions similar to your bank account number.
She can have a peek inside and see the Bitcoin there, in fact anyone who walks by can see that mailbox is filled with one Bitcoin. This is part of the what is bitcoin private key part of Bitcoin - that everyone can see all the transactions but without anyone having to share their identity. People can see there is one Bitcoin inbut no-one, except for Maria and Peter, will know it belongs to Peter.
But if he wants to move it, he needs to open the box to send it to someone else. To open this he needs a key - and this what is bitcoin private key his own unique key, also called a private key, that him, and only him can use to open the mailbox. If Maria deposits into the wrong mailbox, she cannot move it back. Also note that no-one can move the Bitcoin, except for Peter, who has the key to the mailbox.
And if he loses his key? Well then no-one can access that post box, forever! Buy, store and learn about Bitcoin and Ethereum now. We are using cookies to provide statistics that help us give you the best experience of our site. You can find out more by visiting our privacy policy.
By continuing to use the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. BitX is now Luno. Price charts Bitcoin Price Ethereum Price.
Back to Learning Portal What are Bitcoin private keys? The easiest way to understand private keys is to what is bitcoin private key about an old-fashioned mailbox system: Bitcoin private keys give you access to the Bitcoin system. Previous What is Bitcoin mining? Next How do I protect my private keys? What is bitcoin private key basics of a financial revolution.
Where did Bitcoin come from? The origins of a trustless system. Bitcoin as a payment system Advantages for consumers and merchants. Bitcoin as digital gold A new digital asset class to consider. Bitcoin as the internet Global, open to all for innovation and use. How do I get Bitcoin? Learn about earning, trading, buying and mining.
How is the price of Bitcoin calculated? A primer on supply and demand. Is Bitcoin used by criminals? What is Bitcoin mining? What are Bitcoin private keys? How do What is bitcoin private key protect my private keys?
Wallets, vaults and private keys. How do I keep my Bitcoin safe? Recognising what is bitcoin private key to reduce risks. What are the risks with Bitcoin? With potential comes risk. The first global computer. Where did Ethereum come from? The arrival of a more versatile blockchain. Distinguish between Bitcoin and Ethereum. What are smart contracts?
A way to connect, automate and eliminate inefficiency. How do I get Ethereum? You can earn, buy or mine Ether. How is the price of Ether calculated? Supply and demand, with some context.
Is Ethereum used by criminals? What is Ethereum mining? Transaction processing, for a fee. What are Ethereum private keys? These give you the right to spend your digital currency. How do I keep my Ether safe? What are the risks with Ethereum?
