Bitcoin Core is the reference implementation of the Bitcoin protocol, serving as a full node and wallet software. It provides a command-line interface (CLI) with various commands for managing and interacting with the Bitcoin network. In this cheat sheet, we’ll explore some of the most commonly used Bitcoin Core commands and their descriptions.
1. getinfo
Displays general information about the Bitcoin Core node, such as the version, protocol version, wallet status, and network connection details.
2. getblockchaininfo
Provides an overview of the blockchain, including the current block height, the total number of blocks, and the verification progress.
3. getwalletinfo
Displays information about the wallet, including the balance, the number of transactions, and the wallet version.
4. getnewaddress
Generates a new Bitcoin address for receiving funds. It’s recommended to use a new address for each transaction to enhance privacy.
5. sendtoaddress
Sends a specific amount of Bitcoin to a given address. This command requires the recipient’s address and the amount to be sent.
6. gettransaction
Retrieves detailed information about a specific transaction using its transaction ID (txid).
7. listtransactions
Lists the most recent transactions within the wallet, including both incoming and outgoing transactions.
8. getblock
Retrieves detailed information about a specific block using its block hash or height.
9. getpeerinfo
Provides information about the connected peers in the Bitcoin network, including their IP addresses, connection types, and version numbers.
10. validateaddress
Verifies whether a given Bitcoin address is valid and provides additional information, such as the address type and the public key.
11. importprivkey
Imports a private key into the wallet, allowing access to funds associated with that key.
12. dumpprivkey
Reveals the private key corresponding to a specific Bitcoin address. Exercise caution when using this command, as it exposes sensitive information.
13. encryptwallet
Encrypts the wallet with a passphrase to protect it from unauthorized access. This command is crucial for securing your funds.
14. walletpassphrase
Unlocks the encrypted wallet temporarily by providing the passphrase. This command allows you to perform actions that require wallet access.
15. backupwallet
Creates a backup copy of the wallet file. It’s essential to regularly back up your wallet to prevent loss of funds.
Remember, these are just a few of the many commands available in Bitcoin Core. The Bitcoin Core documentation provides comprehensive information on additional commands and their usage. Always exercise caution and ensure you understand the implications of each command before executing them.
I hope you find this cheat sheet helpful in navigating Bitcoin Core and managing your Bitcoin transactions efficiently!