What is the master public key on electrum? I just noticed this. Do i need to have this written down?
The master public key allows you to generate addresses independently of the seed. Using the MPK you can generate addresses, but you can't spend bitcoins sent to them. Bitcoins sent to your addresses will show up in your electrum window.
Knowledge of the private keys (private not public) determines bitcoin ownership. *You* can spend the bitcoins because you have the bitcoin wallet running on your computer. That wallet file has, among other things, the seed from which all your bitcoin private keys are derived.
Installing the MPK on your web server allows your WP installation to independently generate addresses without risking your bitcoins in the event of a server compromise. You cannot generate the private keys behind the addresses with just the MPK therefore your bitcoins cannot be stolen.
A useful post:
Is keeping a significant amount of BTC (50+ BTC) in Electrum safe enough, or do you recommend that I print them out to physical paper wallets?
For a large amount of bitcoins you should use an offline electrum wallet. It is superior to a paper wallet because you get unlimited addresses and other features that come with a full fledged wallet. There is
a guide for this on the electrum site but this is not a setup for a newbie. First get comfortable using electrum then try for an offline setup.
can someone answer the question about master key on electrum and do i need to write it down?
Please wait for an answer. It will take some time to getvthe answer as people who know the answer may not be online when you ask. Please be patient. Thanks!
-MZ