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how to create key pairs

Overview​

This how-to guide provides instructions on how to create a keypair consisting of a public key and a private key for signing transactions in an Antelope blockchain.

Before you begin​

Make sure you meet the following requirements:

  • Install the currently supported version of cleos [[info | Note]] | The cleos tool is bundled with the Antelope software. Installing Antelope will also install the cleos tool.
  • Learn about asymmetric cryptography (public and private keypair) in the context of an Antelope blockchain.

Command Reference​

See the following reference guide for cleos command line usage and related options:

Procedure​

The following steps show how to create a public/private keypair, display them on the console, and save them to a file:

  1. Create a public/private keypair and print them to the console:
cleos create key --to-console

Where:

  • --to-console = The option parameter to print the keypair to the console

Example Output

Private key: 5KPzrqNMJdr6AX6abKg*******************************cH
Public key: EOS4wSiQ2jbYGrqiiKCm8oWR88NYoqnmK4nNL1RCtSQeSFkGtqsNc
  1. Create a public/private keypair and save it to a file:
cleos create key --file pw.txt

Where:

  • --file = The option parameter to save the keypair to a file
  • FILE_TO_SAVEKEY = The name of the file to save the keypair

Example Output

saving keys to pw.txt

To view the saved keypair stored in the file:

cat pw.txt
Private key: 5K7************************************************
Public key: EOS71k3WdpLDeqeyqVRAAxwpz6TqXwDo9Brik5dQhdvvpeTKdNT59

Summary​

By following these instructions, you are able to create public/private keypairs, print them to the console, and save them to a file.