A transaction’s journey: from wallet to block
What you will learn
Order these steps: signing, broadcasting, checking, inclusion in a block. No real wallet is needed.
A transaction is a signed request to change network state; sending it does not mean it is confirmed.
A wallet prepares a transaction and signs it with the private key without publishing that key. Network computers check the signature and whether the action is valid. A transaction may wait before inclusion in a block. Confirmation time and fees depend on the network and demand; on Ethereum, gas measures computational work and fees are paid in ETH. Confirmations and finality differ between networks. Public transaction data can be viewed in a block explorer; an address does not guarantee anonymity.
Sending a message does not prove someone has read it. Similarly, a pending transaction is not proof of inclusion in a block.
Order these steps: signing, broadcasting, checking, inclusion in a block. No real wallet is needed.
Ethereum.org · Transactions ↗Check your understanding
A transaction is marked pending. What can you conclude?
- It is definitely complete
- The money is definitely lost
- Its inclusion in a block is not yet confirmed
Answer and explanation
Its inclusion in a block is not yet confirmed. Pending is not confirmed; check the status on the correct network.
What is published when signing a transaction?
- The private key
- A verifiable signature without revealing the key
- The recovery phrase
Answer and explanation
A verifiable signature without revealing the key. The signature enables verification while the private key stays secret.
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