What is the role of a public key in bitcoin transactions?

3 answers

• Cary Fant IVMar 07, 2023 · 3 years ago
  A public key plays a crucial role in bitcoin transactions. It is a cryptographic code that is used to receive funds. When someone wants to send bitcoins to another person, they need to know the recipient's public key. The public key is derived from the recipient's private key, which is kept secret. By using the public key, the sender can encrypt the transaction and ensure that only the recipient can decrypt and access the funds. This provides security and privacy in bitcoin transactions.
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• PivanNov 20, 2020 · 5 years ago
  In bitcoin transactions, a public key acts as the recipient's address. It is a long string of alphanumeric characters that serves as an identifier. When someone wants to send bitcoins to another person, they need to enter the recipient's public key in the transaction details. This ensures that the funds are sent to the correct recipient. The public key is also used to verify the authenticity of the transaction. It is a fundamental component of the cryptographic system that underlies the security of bitcoin transactions.
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• Nelson Alejandro CruzMay 25, 2025 · 6 months ago
  The role of a public key in bitcoin transactions is to provide a secure way for users to receive funds. When a user generates a bitcoin address, they are essentially creating a pair of cryptographic keys - a public key and a private key. The public key is shared with others and serves as the recipient's address, while the private key is kept secret and is used to sign transactions. When someone sends bitcoins to a user's public key, the transaction is recorded on the blockchain and can only be accessed and spent by the user who possesses the corresponding private key. This ensures the integrity and security of bitcoin transactions.
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