Converting X.pub Key to Core Format: A Step-by-Step Guide
As a frequent user of wallets like Electrum, you’ve likely come across the x.pub key format. This format is used by many cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets to store private keys securely. However, if you’re not familiar with this format, it’s easy to get confused or misinterpret the output.
In this article, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step process on how to convert an x.pub key generated from Electrum into its core format. This will help you understand and manage your private keys more effectively.
What is an X.pub Key?
An X.pub key (also known as a public-private key pair) consists of two components:
- X (public): A string that represents the public part of the key pair.
- P (private): A numerical value representing the private key.
The x.pub key format is commonly used in cryptocurrency wallets and exchanges to store private keys securely.
Converting X.pub Key to Core Format
To convert an x.pub key to its core format, follow these steps:
Step 1: Extract the X (public) part
Copy the first part of the x.pub key, which should be a string. This is usually the first letter or a few characters before the dots.
Example output from Electrum:
7a9d0a6f9e3b2c1f8d4b
Step 2: Extract the P (private) part
Copy the second part of the x.pub key, which should be a numerical value. This is usually the string after the dots.
Example output from Electrum:
a6f9e3b2c1f8d4b
Core Format Example
Here’s an example of how to represent the private key in core format:
| | Bit Length |
| — | — |
| P | 256 bits |
| | |
In this representation, the private key is stored as a numerical value (256 bits) and is formatted with a fixed length.
Putting it all together
To convert an x.pub key to its core format, simply combine the X (public) part and the P (private) part into two separate strings. For example:
7a9d0a6f9e3b2c1f8d4b
becomes:
7a9d0a6f9e3b2c1f8d4b 256
Conclusion
Converting x.pub keys to core format is an essential step in managing your cryptocurrency private keys. By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to easily identify and understand the contents of your X (public) part and P (private) part.
Remember to store your private key in a secure location, such as a hardware wallet or a password manager, to protect your funds from unauthorized access.
If you’re unsure about any aspect of cryptocurrency management or have questions about generating or converting keys, feel free to ask!