Understand the Bech32 addresses on Ethereum
As you have noticed, your Bech32 addresses on the Ethereum network start with “BC1” and then with a letter that follow certain figures (for example, “BC1Q”). But have you ever wondered why it is? Let’s dive into the Bech32 world and research what that means.
What is Bech32?
Bech32 is a standardized format for coding and national team Ethereum address. It was introduced in 2014, as part of the proposal to improve Ethereum (EIP) no. 15. The idea behind Bech32 is to provide a more efficient and evolutionary means of storing and transferring Ethereum data.
How does Bech32 work?
In traditional Bitcoin addresses, each address has a unique identifier that begins with “BC1”. However, this identifier is not designed to use the Ethereum network, where different blockchains coexist. To adjust to this, Bech32 uses a separate coding system that includes additional signs for distinguishing addresses.
Magic “Q”
One of the most interesting aspects of Bech32 is the presence of the “Q” character. This can seem at first glance by a suitable choice, but it is actually crucial to understand how Bech32 works. “Q” addresses in Bech32 represent a certain type of address called “pair keys”.
Couples and Key signatures
A pair of keys consists of a private key (a public-private couple) and a proper public key. These keys are used to sign the transactions on the Ethereum network. To generate a Bech32 address, you need to combine your private key with the coded version of your public key.
The encoded public key consists of several characters, including “BC1”, followed by the letter (in this case “Q”), then several figures. This combination serves as a public part of Bech32.
Why does “BC1” begin?
As you mentioned earlier, your Bech32 addresses start with “BC1”. If it is true that the first three characters are always “BC1”, this is not just a coincidence. “Q” in the encoded public key serves as a unique identifier for each pair of keys.
In other words, even if you exchange or change your private and public keys, Bech32 address will remain the same, thanks to the character “Q”. This guarantees that your address remains consistent on different blockchain platforms (for example, Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain) and that it is easily recognized like yours.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bech32 deals with Ethereum begins with the “BC1Q” due to the coding system used to combine private keys with public keys. The “Q” character serves as a unique identifier for each pair of keys, ensuring that your address remains consistent on different blockchain platforms. Understanding Bech32 and its components will help you sail more effectively in the Ethereum world.
additional resources
For more readings on Bech32, I recommend consulting the official documentation of Ethereum or internet guides. Some recommended resources include:
- Official website Ethereum: [www.ethereum.org] (
- Gate Ethereum developer: [Programmer.ethereum.org] (
- Bech32 guide from W3SCHOOLS: [W3SCHOOLS.com/ethenet/bech32.php