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SPV Wallet

1 min read
Pronunciation
[ess-pee-vee woll-it]
Analogy
An SPV wallet is like verifying a book quote by checking the index rather than reading every page.
Definition
Simplified Payment Verification wallet that verifies transactions using block headers and Merkle proofs without downloading full block contents.
Key Points Intro
SPV wallets validate payments via:
Key Points

Header chain: Downloads only block headers.

Merkle proofs: Verifies tx inclusion with Merkle branches.

Light client: Minimal storage of headers and UTXOs.

Trust model: Assumes majority‑honest mining.

Example
A mobile Bitcoin SPV wallet verifies that incoming payments are included in a block by requesting Merkle proofs from peers.
Technical Deep Dive
SPV uses BIP‑37 bloom filters or Neutrino filters to request relevant transactions. On receiving a Merkle proof, wallet checks proof against stored block header’s Merkle root. Headers validated via proof‑of‑work chain.
Security Warning
Vulnerable to header‑only attacks if attackers control peer responses; use multiple peer connections.
Caveat
Cannot validate script correctness or full transaction context.
Related Terms
Lightweight Wallet
Full Node Wallet
Merkle Tree

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