Introduction to eth-wallet
Ethereum wallet development in Python has become increasingly popular among developers. The eth-wallet package provides a powerful solution for managing Ethereum-based assets, including Ether and ERC-20 tokens. This guide will walk you through all the essential features of this Python Ethereum wallet implementation.
Getting Started with eth-wallet
Installation requirements
Before using eth-wallet, ensure you have:
- Python 3.6 or later installed
- Basic understanding of Ethereum concepts
- An active internet connection
Wallet creation process
To create a new Ethereum wallet:
$ eth-wallet new-wallet
Passphrase from keystore:
Account address: 0xB1f761734F00d1D368Ce6f82F755bBb3005538EB
Account pub key: 0xf94e03524a1bd803ee583a1f0de7eb1eb67a90d6802eeac22b90cfdd7ff491039441472e8db543467c0450d1b7c31b5e8f81616b99226775770f9dd531afd31a
Keystore path: /Users/Marek/.eth-wallet/keystore
Remember these words to restore eth-wallet: omit speak giant bright enable increase tube worth object timber bleak bullet👉 Learn more about Ethereum wallet security best practices
Managing Wallet Balances
Checking ETH balance
View your Ether balance with:
$ eth-wallet get-balance
Balance on address 0xB1f761734F00d1D368Ce6f82F755bBb3005538EB is: 1.234ETHAdding ERC-20 tokens
To track ERC-20 token balances:
$ eth-wallet add-token
Contract address []: 0x70a68593BAfc497AC4F24Eaf13CF68E74135bA42
Token symbol []: ZRXChecking token balances
Get specific token balances:
$ eth-wallet get-balance --token ZRX
Balance on address 0xB1f761734F00d1D368Ce6f82F755bBb3005538EB is: 0.0ZRXTransaction Management
Sending Ether
Transfer ETH to another address:
$ eth-wallet send-transaction
To address: []: 0xAAD533eb7Fe7F2657960AC7703F87E10c73ae73b
Value to send: []: 0.01
Password from keystore:👉 Understand Ethereum transaction fees in depth
Sending ERC-20 tokens
Transfer tokens with:
$ eth-wallet send-transaction --token FIT
To address: []: 0xAAD533eb7Fe7F2657960AC7703F87E10c73ae73b
Value to send: []: 0.9
Password from keystore:Wallet Utilities
Network information
Check your current network:
$ eth-wallet network
You are connected to the Ropsten network!Token management
List all tracked tokens:
$ eth-wallet list-tokens
ETH
ZRXAdvanced Features
Wallet restoration
Recover your wallet with:
$ eth-wallet restore-wallet
Mnemonic sentence []: omit speak giant bright enable increase tube worth object timber bleak bullet
Passphrase:Accessing private keys
View your master private key:
$ eth-wallet reveal-seed
Password from keystore:
Account prv key: 0x843844a23e3ae7b6a695a346c981484b554ff1718299b0b42df3045f04b94f05Frequently Asked Questions
Is eth-wallet safe to use?
Yes, when used properly. Always keep your private keys and recovery phrases secure.
Which networks does eth-wallet support?
It primarily supports Ethereum testnets and mainnet, with Ropsten being the default in our examples.
Can I use eth-wallet for other blockchains?
No, this implementation is specifically designed for Ethereum and Ethereum-compatible networks.
How do I add custom ERC-20 tokens?
Use the add-token command with the token's contract address and symbol.
What's the difference between public and private keys?
Public keys are shareable addresses for receiving funds, while private keys must be kept secret as they control access to your funds.
Can I use eth-wallet for smart contract development?
While primarily a wallet tool, it can interact with smart contracts through transactions.
Conclusion
The Python eth-wallet package provides comprehensive tools for Ethereum asset management. From basic balance checks to complex token transactions, it offers developers a flexible way to interact with the Ethereum blockchain. Remember to practice good security habits and always backup your recovery phrases.
For those interested in expanding their cryptocurrency knowledge, explore our resources on Ethereum development tools.