Understand the project
Practical overview
When it fits
Use it when a Swift project requires secp256k1 interoperability for Bitcoin or Nostr, or needs ECDSA, Schnorr, ECDH or related modules that are not provided by Apple’s P256 curve.
Who it is for
- Swift developers building Bitcoin software.
- Developers adding Nostr keys or signatures to Apple-platform applications.
- Teams implementing secp256k1 key agreement, multisignature or proof-oriented components in Swift.
- Linux Swift developers needing the same curve-focused cryptographic library.
Documented uses
- Create Bitcoin-compatible ECDSA or Schnorr signatures.
- Handle Nostr keys and signatures.
- Derive shared secrets with secp256k1 ECDH.
- Prototype MuSig2 multisignature workflows.
- Expose secp256k1 cryptography inside a Swift application or service.
Before you choose
Requirements & limits
The project is a public MIT-licensed open-source repository for integration into Swift projects. The repository identifies iOS, macOS and Linux environments; package setup is documented through Swift Package Manager.
- The library uses secp256k1, not CryptoKit’s secp256r1 P256; keys and signatures do not interoperate between those curves.
- The P256K module wraps libsecp256k1 from Bitcoin Core.
- Swift Package Manager package traits control access to optional modules such as the zero-knowledge-proof bundle and uint256.
- The documented release requirements vary by version, and prebuilt XCFrameworks have newer compiler requirements than source builds.
- The API supports both ECDSA and Schnorr workflows, including references to BIP-327 and BIP-340.
Check current requirements in the official documentation. Source-based guidance does not mean OpenViST has run or independently tested this project.
Evidence and transparency
Sources & review
Source record details
- Source availability
- Active
- Sources checked
- 3 October 2026
- Original website title
- 21-DOT-DEV/swift-secp256k1 · Official homepage title · retained in its source language