walletClient

A wallet client is a software application or interface that allows users to manage their cryptocurrency assets. It acts as a gateway to a blockchain network, enabling users to store, send, receive, and track their digital currencies. Wallet clients come in various forms, including desktop applications, mobile apps, web-based interfaces, and hardware devices.

The primary function of a wallet client is to securely manage private and public keys. The public key is analogous to an account number, used to receive funds. The private key, however, is like a password and must be kept secret to authorize transactions and access the associated funds. A wallet client typically generates and stores these keys on behalf of the user.

Different wallet clients offer varying levels of security and features. Some wallets are non-custodial, meaning the user has full control over their private keys and thus their funds. Others are custodial, where a third party holds the private keys, which can offer convenience but also introduces counterparty risk. Features can include support for multiple cryptocurrencies, integration with decentralized applications (dApps), transaction history, and multi-signature capabilities.

When sending cryptocurrency, the wallet client constructs a transaction using the user's private key to sign it. This signed transaction is then broadcast to the blockchain network for validation and inclusion in a block. Receiving cryptocurrency involves simply providing the user's public address, which is derived from the public key, to the sender. The wallet client then monitors the blockchain for incoming transactions associated with that address.