From https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Private_key#Base58_Wallet_Import_format:
"Wallet import format is the most common way to represent private keys in Bitcoin. For private keys associated with uncompressed public keys, they are 51 characters and always start with the number 5 on mainnet (9 on testnet). Private keys associated with compressed public keys are 52 characters and start with a capital L or K on mainnet (c on testnet)."
"Wallet import format is the most common way to represent private keys in Bitcoin. For private keys associated with uncompressed public keys, they are 51 characters and always start with the number 5 on mainnet (9 on testnet). Private keys associated with compressed public keys are 52 characters and start with a capital L or K on mainnet (c on testnet)."
The beginning encodes some metadata, like a version id; so you shouldn't expect the first two characters to be very random. But if the software you're using generates keys beginning with 5 instead of L or K it is outdated and producing keys which will result in significantly more data-size in your transactions.
I would recommend avoiding any browser based key generators. Many of them have dangerous implementations which provide little to no cryptographic security at all, most of them have never been reviewed by a third party.
I would recommend avoiding any browser based key generators. Many of them have dangerous implementations which provide little to no cryptographic security at all, most of them have never been reviewed by a third party.
Thank you both for your answers. I understand now, I'm just a noob. lol.
Two other question though.
(1) If you do not recommend browser based key generation (most people if not all here and on other sites tell people to go to bitaddress.org and use them in an offline manner for cold storage addresses generations), what do you consider to be reviewed or vetted and approved as being most safe for privatekey generation?
(2) Also, if there are privatekeys that are compressed and uncompressed, compression being used to cause less strain on the "Bitcoin Network", how come there isn't a dev mandated update or movement toward all future addresses being generated as compressed? (with old non-compressed addresses generated in the past still being accepted and usable by the network, of course)
Thanks again.
