Metamask Algorithm: Creating and Restoring Accounts from Seed Phrases
Metamask is a popular Ethereum wallet software that uses a unique algorithm to generate multiple accounts from a single seed phrase. In this article, we will dive deeper into the Metamask algorithm and explore how it works.
What is a Seed Phrase?
A seed phrase is a 12-24 word phrase that contains multiple mnemonic phrases. It is used to create multiple Ethereum wallets, each with its own private keys and account balances. The seed phrase is used to restore an Ethereum wallet if you lose access to your existing wallet or want to recover lost funds.
Metamask Algorithm
The Metamask algorithm uses a combination of cryptographic techniques to generate multiple accounts from a single seed phrase. Here is a step-by-step explanation:
- Seed Phrase Splitting
: The first step of the algorithm is to split the seed phrase into 12-24 separate words, depending on the number of addresses you want to create.
- Mnemonic Phrases: Each word in the seed phrase is used as a mnemonic phrase for one of the generated accounts. This ensures that each account has its own unique private keys and account balances.
- Private Key Generation: For each mnemonic phrase, Metamask generates a private key using the Rabin-Rockwell primality test and the elliptic curve digital signature algorithm (ECDSA).
- Account Creation: Each generated private key is used to create an Ethereum address on the blockchain.
Sample Script
Here is a script that creates 10 accounts from a single seed phrase:
const metamask = require('metamask');
const account = new metamask.Web3();
// Define your seed phrase
const seedPhrase = 'your_seed_phrase_here';
// Split the seed phrase into 12 words (or less, depending on the number of accounts you want)
const words = seedPhrase.split(/(\s+)/);
// Create a map to store the generated addresses and private keys
const address = new Map();
for (let i = 0; i < words.length; i++) {
// Generate a mnemonic phrase for this account
const mnemonicPhrase = mnemonic_phrase_${i};
const privateKey = await account.generateMnemonicPhrase(mnemonicPhrase);
// Create Ethereum address and private key using ECDSA
const address = '0x...' + privateKey.substring(0, 6); // Generate a random prefix for the address
let privateKeyHash = await account.generateKeyAddress(address, mnemonicPhrase);
address.set(${mnemonicPhrase}_address, address);
// Store the generated private key and address in an array
console.log(Generated address: ${addresses.get(${mnemonicPhrase}_address)} (Private key: ${privateKey.substring(0, 6)}));
}
Note: This script is just a simplified example to illustrate the Metamask algorithm. In a real-world scenario, you would need to handle errors and edge cases more robustly.
In conclusion, the Metamask algorithm allows users to create multiple Ethereum accounts from a single seed phrase. By breaking the seed phrase into 12 words (or less), generating mnemonic phrases for each account, and using ECDSA to create private keys, Metamask ensures that each generated account has its own unique private keys and account balances.