Derivation Path
A derivation path is the structured notation wallets use to derive specific keys and addresses from an HD wallet seed.
- Also known as
- HD path
A derivation path defines which branch of an HD wallet's key tree is used for a coin, account, change chain, and address index. Standards such as BIP-32, BIP-44, BIP-49, and BIP-84 help compatible wallets find the same addresses from the same seed.
Always back up the seed phrase; derivation paths can be reconfigured, but the seed is the root of all keys. Avoid exposing extended public or private keys (xpub/xprv) unless necessary.
Related terms
3 linkedExplore connected entries beyond the alphabetical index.
Mnemonic
→A sequence of words used to generate and recover a private key, typically 12 or 24 words long.
Wallet
→Software or hardware that manages crypto keys, creates addresses, signs transactions, and shows blockchain activity.
Unspent Transaction Output (UTXO)
→A discrete spendable output on a UTXO blockchain, similar to a digital coin that must be spent whole.
All terms and definitions may update as the Cryptionary improves.
