banner

Have uncompressed keys always used the 04 prefix, even before compressed keys (which use 02, 03) were used?

Yes.

Did bitcoin undergo an update to add these prefixes to the different key types?

Bitcoin wallet software did undergo an update to make use of these compressed keys. There was no change to the consensus rules/implementation needed, because (at the time) OpenSSL accepted both compressed and uncompressed public keys. In fact, there is a third type that was (and still is!) supporter, hybrid keys, which use prefix 06 or 07 (depending on even/odd T coordinate), followed by 32-byte X, and 32-byte Y coordinate. I do not understand the motivation for having such a type, but it is part of the implemented specification.

If so, since these prefixes are included in the hash used to produce addresses, did addresses using uncompressed keys “change” when compressed keys were introduced?

Yes. But ony the receiver cares about the distinction, as the sender only sees the 160-bit public key hash. At spend time, the receiver needs to reveal the full public key, whose hash needs to match the public key hash sent to.

If you have an extreme old Bitcoin Core wallet.dat file that has never been updated, and load it into a very modern Bitcoin Core 27.0 software, it will still produce P2PKH addresses using the uncompressed public key, so that one can still go back to old versions. This will not keep working however, as legacy wallet support is scheduled to be removed from Bitcoin Core. Such old files will still be usable, but will need to be converted to a modern format first.

Also note that since the introduction of compressed public keys, there have been actual new address types (with corresponding consensus changes): P2SH, segwit, and taproot.

banner

Converter

Source: CurrencyRate
Top Selling Multipurpose WP Theme

Newsletter

Subscribe my Newsletter for new blog posts, tips & new photos. Let's stay updated!

banner

Leave a Comment

Layer 1
Your Crypto & Blockchain Beacon

CryptoInsightful

Welcome to CryptoInsightful.com, your trusted source for in-depth analysis, news, and insights into the world of cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology, NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), and cybersecurity. Our mission is to empower you with the knowledge and understanding you need to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of digital assets and emerging technologies.