Here is an article about the two multi-signature transaction methods on Ethereum and their differences:
Multi-signature Transactions: A Comparison
In the world of cryptocurrencies, multi-signature transactions have emerged as a secure and reliable way to conduct financial transactions. Two popular methods to achieve this security are “pay per public key hash” (P2PH) and “pay per script hash.” In this article, we will dive into the details of each method, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.
Pay per public key hash (P2PH)
The first multi-signature transaction method is pay per public key hash, commonly referred to as P2PH. This approach involves creating a unique public key hash from multiple private keys, which are then used to spend the cryptocurrency.
Here is how it works:
- A user creates a new wallet and stores a list of their private keys.
- They create a transaction with a specific amount of cryptocurrency (e.g. 10 ETH).
- For each recipient, they add their private key as an input parameter in the transaction.
- The transaction is then broadcast to the network, which includes the public key hash of the user’s wallet.
Pay to Script Hash
The second multi-signature transaction method is pay-to-script-hash (P2S). This approach involves creating a single script from multiple private keys and using it to spend cryptocurrency.
Here’s how it works:
- A user creates a new wallet and stores a list of their private keys.
- They create a transaction with a specific amount of cryptocurrency (e.g. 10 ETH).
- For each recipient, they add their private key as an input parameter in the transaction.
- The script is created by combining the public key hashes of the user’s wallet and each recipient’s private key.
Differences between P2PH and P2S
Although both methods aim to achieve multi-signature security, there are significant differences between them:
- Input parameters: In P2PH, input parameters (private keys) must be specified for each recipient. In contrast, in P2S, input parameters can be any type of data (e.g. script hashes).
- Script complexity
: P2S requires a more complex script to build, as it needs to include all private keys and public key hashes.
- Security: Both methods are secure, but P2PH has some inherent advantages. For example, if one recipient’s private key is compromised, the damage is limited to that specific transaction. In contrast, if multiple recipients’ private keys are compromised, the attacker can spend cryptocurrency from all transactions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, multi-signature transactions offer an attractive solution for secure and reliable financial transactions on both Bitcoin and Ethereum. While P2PH offers a simpler approach with inherent security advantages, P2S offers greater flexibility and customization options. As the use of multi-signature transactions continues to grow, it is essential to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each method to ensure optimal security and performance.
I hope you find this article useful! Let me know if you have any further questions or need clarification on any aspect.