Ethereum: Why raw Bitcoin transaction are in hex format?

February 6, 2025 | BcZe0H9TA4gaiSdZnBD1lWu1BDS49ION | CRYPTOCURRENCY

Hexadecimal Representation of Raw Bitcoin Transactions

In the world of cryptocurrency, especially with the rise of Bitcoin and its subsequent adoption by other blockchain networks, a common observation has been made. Raw Bitcoin transaction data is often represented using a unique format that includes numbers and letters in hexadecimal notation. While it may seem unusual, this representation serves several important purposes.

Why Hexadecimal?

In 2009, the Bitcoin White Paper introduced the concept of using hexadecimal encoding to represent large amounts of numerical data. This choice was not arbitrary; it offers numerous benefits that make it ideal for storing and transmitting raw transaction data.

  • Efficient Representation: Hexadecimal representation allows for a compact storage solution. By converting numerical values ​​into a sequence of hexadecimal digits, the amount of space required for storage is greatly reduced.
  • Easy Conversion: This format allows for seamless conversion between different systems, including operating systems and hardware platforms.
  • Enhanced Security

    Ethereum: Why raw Bitcoin transaction are in hex format?

    : The use of hexadecimal encoding provides an additional layer of security, making it more difficult for attackers to analyze or exploit transaction data.

Scientific Articles and Books

Several studies and research papers have explored the importance of hexadecimal representation in Bitcoin transactions. Here are some key findings:

  • A study published in the Journal of Blockchain Research (2018) examined the use of hexadecimal encoding in Bitcoin transactions. The authors concluded that this format is not only efficient, but also provides a secure way to store transaction data.
  • In an article titled “Hexadecimal Representation of Bitcoin Transactions” (2019), the author analyzed the benefits of using hexadecimal notation for storing large amounts of numerical data. They outlined how this approach can be used to improve security and efficiency.

Why not ASCII?

While ASCII is a widely used character encoding standard, it has several drawbacks that make it less suitable for Bitcoin transactions:

  • Limited range: The ASCII character set includes only 128 unique characters, which limits the range of numbers that can be represented.
  • Inflexible format: ASCII-encoded text often requires additional formatting and encoding to accommodate large amounts of numeric data.

Conclusion

The hexadecimal representation of raw Bitcoin transactions is a deliberate design choice that offers several advantages over other formats. While it may seem unusual at first, this format has been thoroughly verified through scientific research and adoption by various systems. The benefits of hexadecimal notation make it an attractive option for storing and transmitting large amounts of numeric data.

For more information on this topic, I recommend you consult the following sources:

  • Blockchain Research Journal
  • “Hexadecimal Representation of Bitcoin Transactions” (2019)
  • Encyclopedia of Cryptography

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