Bitcoin: What is the raw logic for converting the seed phase to a private key?

Understanding Bitcoin Private Keys: A Step-by-Step Guide

Plunging into the world of cryptocurrencies, it is extremely important to understand how to turn the opening phrase into a private key. In this article, we will explain this process step by step.

What is an opening phrase?

A passphrase, also known as a wallet passphrase, is a set of words or numbers used to create and manage a private Bitcoin key. It is essentially a master password that provides access to your Bitcoin funds.

Raw logic to convert source phrase to private key

To turn the original phrase into a private key, you need to perform the following steps:

  • Write down the introductory phrase. Write down the introductory phrase in a safe place.

  • Copy the numbers of the opening phrase. Write down individual words or numbers from the introductory phrase.

  • Conversion of decimal numbers into binary. Convert each number to its binary representation (base 2) using a calculator, code converter, or online tool.

  • Add binary numbers: Add all binary representations.

  • Find the private key. Use the sum of the binary numbers as one long hexadecimal string that represents your Bitcoin private key.

Example: conversion of an introductory phrase from 11 words

Suppose we have an initial phrase of 11 words:

“123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890”

To turn it into a private key, we’ll follow the steps above:

  • Convert decimal to binary:

+ Decimal numbers: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, 1, 2]

+ Binary representation: 10000000111001010010101101110

  • Add binary numbers:

+ Sum of binary representations: 10000000111001010010101101110 + ... = 1F5FF

Finding the private key

The resulting string “1F5FF” represents your Bitcoin private key. This is a long hexadecimal string used to secure and unlock your Bitcoin funds.

In conclusion, converting the source phrase to a private key involves writing down the words or numbers, converting them to binary using a calculator, code converter, or online tool, adding the binary representation, and searching for the resulting hexadecimal string as your private key. This process may take some practice to master, but understanding how it works will help you stay safe when managing your Bitcoin funds.

Tips:

  • Always store the original phrase and the private key separately and safely.

  • Save the passphrase in a safe place, such as a password manager or an encrypted note-taking application.

  • Use strong and unique passwords for all your cryptocurrency accounts.