Historical retrospective · Bitcoin
BIP 173 introduced the Bech32 address format
BIP 173 specifies a checksummed, human-friendly address format used by native SegWit outputs.
The format improves error detection and supports a clearer visual distinction from older address types, helping wallets identify compatible destinations.
Address formats are an important interoperability layer: protocol improvements only help when wallets and services can safely send to them.
A checksum can catch some typing mistakes, but users should still verify an address through a trusted display and workflow.
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