Code lines for keys generation

[beckspace]

What are the lines of code that actually generate the public/private keys for Bitcoin?

I'd like to know where to look (search for words and commands) when inspecting a source code, in the original client and others alternatives clients as well (blockchain.info, bitaddress.org etc.)

Thanks.

[1713936925]

1713936925

[Remember remember the 5th of November]

Those lines you are talking about are not exactly the same across different languages. Look here https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/blob/master/src/key.cpp

The whole file is relevent, but you also might want to take a look at void CKey::MakeNewKey(bool fCompressed)

[kjj]

The "short" version:

generate a random 256 bit number.  Use a high quality entropy source.
make sure it is less than the number of possible spots in the curve you are using (start over if it is)
-> this is your private key

do an elliptic curve multiply of your curve's generator point by the private key
-> this is your public key

Converting those keys to/from other formats (like bitcoin addresses or WIF) is another big topic.