> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.allforone.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.allforone.app/glossary/definitions/self-custody-wallets/public-addresses.md).

# Public Addresses

A **Public Address** for a [self-custody wallet](/glossary/definitions/self-custody-wallets.md) is a unique string of letters and numbers that is used to receive and send transactions on the [blockchain](/glossary/definitions/decentralization/blockchains.md). A public address is similar to a bank account number, and it can be shared with others in order to receive payments.

A public address is derived from the user's [private key](/glossary/definitions/self-custody-wallets/private-keys.md), which is a secret code that is used to access and spend the user's cryptocurrencies. The private key is used to generate the public address, and the two are mathematically linked, but the private key must never be shared with anyone.

When a user wants to receive a payment in cryptocurrency, they share their public address with the sender. The sender then uses their own private key to initiate a transaction on the blockchain, sending the funds to the recipient's public address. The recipient can then use their private key to access and spend the funds.


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