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Bitcoin: why i can’t get the xprv descriptor from the bitcoin-cli list descriptors true

Published by Terlumun Aondover on February 5th, 2025.

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Understanding the Bitcoin CLI Command: listdescriptors

Bitcoin’s decentralized governance model relies on a distributed ledger to manage user data. One essential aspect of this system is the collection and storage of user descriptors, which provide detailed information about a user’s identity. The listdescriptors command from the Bitcoin Core (BTC) client allows users to retrieve their descriptor list.

The Issue: XPRV Descriptor

When you run listdescriptors true, you typically see a list of descriptors in JSON format, including the following values:

– pkh: Private key

– sh: Secret hash

– tr: Transaction hash

– wpkh: Wallet public key hash

However, when trying to retrieve the XPRV descriptor using listdescriptors true, you only receive a list of descriptors in JSON format as shown above. Unfortunately, this does not include the XPRV descriptor.

Why the Lack of XPRV Descriptor?

The reason behind this discrepancy lies in the way that the listdescriptors command works. When you run listdescriptors true, it fetches the entire descriptor list from the Bitcoin network’s blockchain database. The resulting JSON data is a comprehensive representation of all descriptors, including user-specific information.

Troubleshooting:

If you’re experiencing issues with not receiving the XPRV descriptor using listdescriptors true, try the following:

Check the Network Connection: Ensure that your Bitcoin Core client is connected to the network and up-to-date. Corrupted or outdated nodes can cause issues with fetching data.

Verify the Command Output: Double-check that the output of listdescriptors true accurately represents the expected JSON structure.

Use the --debug Option: Running listdescriptors --debug may provide more detailed information about the fetch operation, potentially revealing what’s causing the issue.

Conclusion

The lack of an XPRV descriptor in the list returned by listdescriptors true is not necessarily due to a bug in the Bitcoin client or network. Instead, it might be related to issues with the specific use case or configuration you’re using. By understanding how the listdescriptors command works and troubleshooting potential causes, you can better navigate the complexities of retrieving user descriptors from the decentralized governance system.

Additional Resources

If you’re interested in learning more about Bitcoin’s governance model or exploring ways to customize your experience with the listdescriptors command, consider consulting the following resources: