Ethereum: Converting xpub key to base format

Converting an X.pub Key to Basic Format: A Step-by-Step Guide

As a frequent user of wallets like Electrum, you may have come across the x.pub key format. This format is used by many cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets to securely store private keys. However, if you are not familiar with this format, it is easy to get confused or misinterpret the output.

In this article, we will walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to convert an Electrum-generated x.pub key to its basic 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 representing the public part of the key pair.

• P (private): A numeric value representing the private key.

The x.pub key format is commonly used by cryptocurrency wallets and exchanges to securely store private keys.

Converting an x.pub key to its base format

To convert an x.pub key to its base 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 numeric value. This is usually the string after the dots.

Example output from Electrum:

a6f9e3b2c1f8d4b

Basic format example

Below is an example of how to represent a private key in basic format.

| | Bit length |

| — | — |

| P | 256 bits |

| | |

In this representation, the private key is stored as a numeric value (256 bits) and is formatted with a fixed length.

Putting it all together

To convert the x.pub key to its basic format, simply combine the X (public) part and the P (private) part into two separate strings. For example:

7a9d0a6f9e3b2c1f8d4b

becomes:

7a9d0a6f9e3b2c1f8d4b 256

Conclusion

Converting your X.pub keys to the base format is an essential step in managing your cryptocurrency private keys. By following these simple steps, you will 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 password manager, to protect your funds from unauthorized access.

If you are unsure about any aspect of cryptocurrency management or have questions about key generation or conversion, feel free to ask!