pockets.dat – What if I delete the pockets file however nonetheless have my non-public key

The first definition and which means of a bitcoin pockets is that it represents a set of personal keys. So I assume you imply deleting such a file.

Whether or not it is possible for you to to entry your pockets once more and in what kind is determined by the kind of keys in it.

These keys could be:

1. linked to one another – HD wallets (deterministic wallets)
2. unlinked (non-deterministic wallets)

Deterministic wallets (HD wallets) are primarily based on the truth that from one grasp seed, or from a grasp key beforehand derived from that grasp seed, all different keys are derived. Varied requirements are used for this, probably the most well-known being BIP32. This course of is “recursive”, which means that when you derive from a grasp key its youngster keys, then these keys can additional derive their youngsters and so forth. Due to this fact, if that personal key you already know is:

1. grasp non-public key – you possibly can once more entry the whole pockets, i.e. all non-public keys
2. non-master non-public key – you possibly can once more entry solely a part of the pockets, i.e. all non-public keys to which that key was a dad or mum within the derivation course of

Non-deterministic wallets could be seen as a group of personal keys that reside in a single place and people keys will not be linked in any means. Due to this fact, if you already know a number of the non-public keys, it is not going to be sufficient to entry the entire pockets or at the least a part of it.