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Bitcoin => Development & Technical Discussion => Topic started by: bilthon on June 24, 2018, 09:51:36 PM



Title: New BIP43 purpose for HD key derivation
Post by: bilthon on June 24, 2018, 09:51:36 PM
Hi there. I need some advice.

Let's say I have a particular use case for which BIP44 derivation scheme would almost, but not completely suit me. I'm thinking of using a different custom purpose field, because using 44 but not completely adhering to it would be clearly wrong.

But then again, how do I make sure I will be avoiding collisions with other already used purpose fields? is there a procedure? should I maybe think of writing a special BIP for that?

Best regards

Nelson R. Pérez


Title: Re: New BIP43 purpose for HD key derivation
Post by: HCP on June 25, 2018, 06:53:03 AM
As per BIP43 (https://github.com/bitcoin/bips/blob/master/bip-0043.mediawiki)... they recommend applying for a BIP and then using your particular BIP number as the value for your "purpose" field:
We encourage different schemes to apply for assigning a separate BIP number and use the same number for purpose field, so addresses won't be generated from overlapping BIP32 spaces.

In practice, there is nothing stopping you from using whatever value you like... it's just not recommended.