Output Descriptor
wallet · technology
A text representation that describes how to derive addresses and spend policies for a set of keys.
- Also known as
- Wallet Descriptor
Output descriptors specify scripts, key origin data, and derivation paths in a standard string format. They help wallets and signers agree on the same address set and spending policy.
Descriptors are especially helpful for watch-only wallets, multisig coordination, and hardware-wallet backups because they describe more than a single address. They can include script type, key fingerprints, derivation paths, and multisig ordering rules.
Related terms
Derivation Path
→A notation that selects a branch and key within a hierarchical deterministic wallet.
wallet · security
Multi-Signature (multisig)
→A spending policy that requires a defined threshold of several keys or signers.
security · wallet
Miniscript
→A structured language for expressing Bitcoin script spending policies that are easier to analyze, compose, and secure.
script · technology
Extended Public Key (xpub)
→A BIP32 extended public key that derives many child public keys and addresses without revealing private keys.
wallet · hd-wallet