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Checking Bitcoin Balances from WIF Private Keys Using Python
This article provides a technical and end-to-end guide for checking Bitcoin balances derived from private keys in WIF (Wallet Import Format) using Python. It covers environment setup, dependency installation, execution flow, network behavior, limitations, and extensibility. 1. Environment Requirements The following components are required: - Python 3.8 or newer - pip (Python package manager) - Active internet connection 2. Installing Dependencies The script depends on external libraries for Bitcoin key handling and HTTP communication. Required packages: - bit — private key handling, address derivation, and balance queries - requests — HTTP networking (used internally) Install using pip: 3. Input File Structure Create a file named keys.txt in the same directory as the script. Rules: - One WIF private key per line - Empty lines are ignored - Lines starting with ❌ are skipped Example: 4. Python Script The script below reads WIF private keys, derives Bitcoin addresses, and retrieves confirmed on-chain balances: 5. Execution Flow Runtime process: 1. Load WIF keys from keys.txt 2. Convert each WIF into a private key object 3. Derive the corresponding Bitcoin address 4. Query blockchain data for confirmed balance 5. Print address and balance to stdout 6. Network and Blockchain Context Technical characteristics: - Operates on Bitcoin mainnet by default - Testnet is not enabled without modifying key instantiation - Balance data reflects confirmed transactions only - Mempool (unconfirmed) data is excluded 7. Address Types The derived address format depends on the WIF encoding: - Compressed WIF → SegWit-compatible or P2PKH address - Uncompressed WIF → Legacy P2PKH address The script does not normalize or enforce a specific address type. 8. Data Source Behavior The bit library retrieves balance data via third-party blockchain service providers. Implications: - Subject to rate limits - Dependent on external API availability - Accuracy reflects upstream blockchain indexers 9. Performance Characteristics Processing model: - Sequential execution - One balance query per WIF - Suitable for small to medium datasets Large key sets may experience latency. 10. Error Handling Model All exceptions are handled using a single try/except block. Error sources may include: - Invalid WIF encoding - Unsupported key format - Network or API failures Script execution continues even if individual keys fail. 11. Output Format Results are printed directly to the terminal: No structured export (CSV / JSON) is performed by default. 12. Extension Opportunities Possible technical extensions: - Asynchronous or parallel execution - CSV or JSON output - Testnet support - Separation of validation and network errors - Integration with a self-hosted Bitcoin node - Inclusion of unconfirmed balance data 13. Summary This implementation provides a direct and minimal pipeline for converting WIF private keys into Bitcoin addresses and retrieving their confirmed balances. It serves as a solid base for balance validation, monitoring tools, or further blockchain analysis workflows.
Running a wallet.dat Extraction Script on Termux (Android)
This content explains the practical execution context of running the provided Python script on Termux (Android). It focuses on file placement, required Termux configuration, and execution prerequisites so the script can run successfully without missing any necessary action. The Python code itself is included exactly as provided. Termux Environment Preparation Termux must be installed from a trusted source (F-Droid is recommended). After installation, the environment needs basic package initialization and Python support. Python’s package manager is required to install external libraries used by the script. Installing Required Python Libraries The script depends on cryptographic, encoding, and networking libraries that are not bundled by default. File System Access in Termux To allow Termux to read files from Android storage (internal storage or SD card), storage permission must be enabled once: This command creates a symbolic link at: This directory maps to the device’s internal storage. Placing wallet.dat The script expects wallet.dat to be readable from the current working directory. A common and reliable approach is: - Copy wallet.dat into Android internal storage (e.g. Download folder) - Move it into Termux’s home directory After this, both the Python script and wallet.dat should reside in the same directory: Complete Python Script Execution Context in Termux The script must be executed from the directory containing both: - the Python file (for example: extract.py) - wallet.dat Run using: During execution, Termux will generate: - keys.txt containing extracted WIF keys - saldo.txt containing derived addresses and balances Important Execution Notes - Termux does not require root access for this process - The script relies on outbound HTTPS access - File permissions must allow read access to wallet.dat - All files are processed locally except balance queries This ensures the script can be executed on Android via Termux without missing any operational requirement.
Welcome to my new blog
Hi guys, welcome to my new blog This blog is a dedicated space where I share insights, ideas, and perspectives shaped by ongoing learning and experience. It serves as a place to document thoughts, explore concepts, and publish work in a clear and structured way. Here, you will find articles covering technology, development, design, and market-related topics, with a focus on clarity, relevance, and practical value. Thank you for visiting. More content will be published regularly.