Ethereum: What are the different prefixes of Bitcoin addresses?
** Bitcoin address prefixes
For those who are new in cryptocurrency areas, it can be confusing with the addresses of Bitcoin and Ethereum. One of the most common questions is: What prefixed these addresses do these addresses follow? The answer may seem simple, but reality is more complicated than you may think.
In this article, we will move to the Bitcoin address in the prefix world and explain why they are not always as light as “1” at first glance.
What is the prefix address?
Prefix addresses are a way to show Ethereum address using a shorter character string. These prefixes are used in combination with a longer hexagonal code known as
address bag , which forms most of the address.
The bag addresses consist of 66 digits (64 leading “1” and 2 suffixes), divided into eight seven groups separated by dashes. Each group corresponds to a certain number from 0 to 65, where:
- The first six numbers mark the number of check
- The seventh number is always 1
Prefixes
Ethereum uses several prefixes formats:
Home address format (with leading ‘1’)
This format is the most common and depicted as one hexagon, the protagonist of which is “1”.
`
0x01 …
`
The main prefix (with the leading “x”)
The prefix is entered in such a way that the address should be divided into several segments. Format changes:
`
0xx …
`
* 2 for the digit of checking
* x for the remaining six digits
For example, 3M8xgfbkwkf7mibzpkku3x2Dowwavrd1mhk is a address that follows the main prefix format.
several signatures (MS) address format
This format involves the division of address into several segments using prefixes. The MS format requires three different prefixes:
m ,
s and
p
. Each segment begins with a particular prefix, followed by a check number.
`
0xm …
`
* m for first segment
* s for the second segment
* p for a third segment
The MS format is used in situations such as Coinjoin, where several addresses are combined to create one cash address. 3M8xgfbkwkf7mibzpku3x2Dowavrd1mhk follow this format.
Example:
As we have seen with the example above, 3m8xgfbkwkwkwkf7mibzpku3x2DWAVRD1MHK is the address of MS. Prefixes used:
* m (for first segment)
* s (for the second segment)
* p (for the third segment)
It may seem scary at first, but when working with Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies, it is important to understand this concept.
Recognizing the various prefix formats and their importance, it will be more convenient for you to surf Bitcoin and Ethereum.
