Public Key

A public key is an essential component of public-key cryptography, which underpins the security of blockchain networks and enables trustless transactions. In a key pair, the public key is the one that can be shared openly, allowing others to send cryptocurrency to the corresponding address. The private key, kept secret, is used to sign transactions and prove ownership of the associated funds. The relationship between the public and private keys is such that the public key is derived from the private key using cryptographic algorithms, making it computationally infeasible to reverse-engineer the private key from the public key.

Public keys play a crucial role in the secure transmission and storage of digital assets. When a user wants to receive cryptocurrency, they provide their public key to the sender, who can then generate a transaction that transfers funds to that address. Because the public key can be freely shared without compromising security, it allows for open and decentralized networks where users can interact and transact without needing to trust one another or a central authority. The security of the transaction is guaranteed by the cryptographic principles that prevent the private key from being derived from the public key.