Understand Ethereum address formats: P2WPKH and P2WSH
Ethereum, a decentralized platform for the development of intelligent contracts and decentralized applications (DAPPS), has introduced two new address formats in recent years: P2WPKH and P2WSH. While both have some similarities, they differ significantly in terms of use and basic design rules. In this article we will examine the address format for P2WPKH, which is also known as private sending, and its relationship with P2PKH (private key), a traditional address format from Ethereum.
P2WPKH vs. P2WSH: short explanation
P2WPKH is an encrypted version of the Ethereum network, with which users can send cryptocurrency without revealing a private key. This approach enables secure anonymous transactions and keeps the functionality and the start of the safety of the blockchain. However, P2WSH represents a separate unit of P2WPKH and serves as a bridge between two addresses.
Here is a simplified division:
* P2WPKH (private sending) : A new address format introduced in Ethereum 1.0.2 that offers private transactions with zero knowledge for all recipients. This format encrypted transaction details, including information about the sender and recipient, before they are transferred to the network.
* P2WSH
: A service outside the chain that facilitates P2WPKH transactions by generating a temporary address for every user. In this way, users can send cryptocurrency without giving a private key and at the same time enabling safe and anonymous transactions.
How do contents go with P2WPKH and P2WSH around
If the sender wants to use a new version of the 1.0.3 or the newer network (which supports both P2WPKH and P2WSH), it must choose between the use of its traditional private address format (P2PKH) and the new format of the encrypted address (P2PKH) P2WPKH ). This is how it usually works:
* P2WPKH : The sender uses its portfolio to create an encrypted transaction with the recipient’s P2WSH address. This encrypted transaction is then transferred to the network.
* P2WSH : The wallet creates a temporary P2WPKH address for every user and saves it safely in the chain. If the user wants to send cryptocurrency with this service, he uses his traditional private key add (P2PKH) to generate an encrypted transaction.
Why use P2WPKH or P2WSH?
While both formats offer safe and anonymous transactions, there are certain scenarios in which one can be preferred by the other:
* Safety : The use of a new service outside the chain, such as B. P2WSH, offers an additional security level by separating private key management from the processing of transactions in the chain. This approach prevents potential gaps in connection with the traditional Ethereum portfolio.
* Decentralized finances (defi) : P2WPKH is particularly suitable for decentralized applications and cases of defs in which the focus is on safe, anonymous transactions without revealing sensitive information.
Application
The introduction of P2WPKH and P2WSH addresses through Ethereum reflects its commitment to offer users better control over key management. While both formats have similarities, they meet separate scenarios and offer better security and flexibility for various applications. If the Ethereum network develops further, it will be exciting to see how this new approach affects the industry as a whole.
Additional resources
Further information on P2WPKH and P2WSH, including the details of the compatibility and implementation of the wallet, read the following resources:
- [Ethereum Documentation] (
- [Ethereum Wallet] (
- [P2WPKH and P2WSH on Github] (
Thanks for reading!