What is a Partially Signed Bitcoin Transaction (PSBT)?

A PSBT is a Partially Signed Bitcoin Transaction. The main difference between a PSBT and a regular Bitcoin transaction is that with a PSBT, the signing of the transaction is done offline. This allows for greater security, as the private keys never need to come into contact with an online device. In addition, it allows multiple signatures to be used on a single transaction, which can be helpful in situations where multiple parties need to sign off on a transfer. A PSBT provides an extra level of security and flexibility compared to a regular Bitcoin transaction.

How does a PSBT work?

Partially signed Bitcoin transactions (PSBTs) are a data format that allows wallets and other tools to exchange information about bitcoin transactions. A PSBT should be created with input values such as the total amount being spent from multiple UTXO sets, identifying each set’s output value by script code or precise BTC sum while also including any extra details needed when generating signatures for these spendings like private keys associated with corresponding addresses.

PSBTs are an elegant solution to the problem of how to broadcast your transaction without having it fully signed. They do this by including relevant metadata that help parties work towards signing a PSBT together in one step, simplifying workflow when multiple individuals or organizations need cooperation for each individual action involved with producing transactions on Bitcoin’s network.

Can you give some examples of how PSBTs might be used in practice?

PSBTs could be used to facilitate instant transactions between parties, without the need for instant confirmations from miners. In this case, the PSBTs would act as an escrow service, holding the Bitcoin until both parties agree. Once both parties have signed off on the transaction, the Bitcoin would be released from the PSBT and transferred to the appropriate party. This would allow for near-instantaneous transactions without sacrificing decentralization. There are many potential uses for PSBTs, and it will be interesting to see how they are used in practice as Bitcoin continues to grow and evolve.

Common examples of using a PSBT can be seen in hardware wallets, multi-signature setups, and CoinJoin transactions. PSBTs can even be used in conjunction with the Lightning Network, including creating, signing, and funding channels with PSBTs.

FAQ

What is a PSBT?

A PSBT, or Partially Signed Bitcoin Transaction, is a transaction type where the signing is done offline. This allows for increased security by keeping private keys offline and permits multiple signatures to be used on a single transaction.

How does a PSBT work?

PSBT works as a data format allowing wallets and other tools to exchange information about Bitcoin transactions. This includes details like the total amount being spent from multiple UTXO sets, and the private keys associated with corresponding addresses.

What makes PSBTs different from regular Bitcoin transactions?

The primary difference lies in the security and flexibility it offers. With PSBTs, private keys never have to go online and multiple signatures can be used on one transaction, which can be especially useful when multiple parties need to agree on a transfer.

Can you provide some examples of PSBT applications?

PSBTs can be used for near-instantaneous transactions between parties without instant miner confirmations. In these scenarios, PSBTs act as an escrow service, holding the Bitcoin until both parties sign off on the transaction. They are commonly used with hardware wallets, multi-signature setups, CoinJoin transactions, and in conjunction with the Lightning Network.