Understand the project
Practical overview
When it fits
Use BASE58 when Python code or a command-line workflow needs Bitcoin-compatible Base58/Base58Check conversion, checksum validation, or an alternative alphabet such as XRP.
Who it is for
- Python developers adding Base58 or Base58Check handling to applications.
- Developers processing encoded data through a command-line workflow.
- Teams working with XRP-compatible Base58 alphabets.
Documented uses
- Encode byte data as Base58 or Base58Check.
- Decode Base58 values back to bytes.
- Check Base58Check input for an invalid checksum.
- Encode and decode using the XRP alphabet.
Before you choose
Requirements & limits
- The repository identifies the project as MIT-licensed.
- The package provides both a Python module and a command-line utility.
- The README states that Python 2 is unsupported from version 2.0.0; the 1.x series remains supported but receives no new features.
Check current requirements in the official documentation. Source-based guidance does not mean OpenViST has run or independently tested this project.
Source-based practical guide
Decode Base58Check data from the command line
Decode Base58Check input and have the utility check its checksum.
Before you start
- The base58 command-line utility
- Base58Check-encoded input
Steps
Provide the encoded value as standard input.
Run the utility with the documented decode and checksum options: base58 -dc.
Expected outcome
Valid input is decoded; the README’s invalid-checksum example returns “Invalid checksum.”
Guide limitations
- The documented example uses shell printf to provide input.
- Python 2 is unsupported from version 2.0.0.
Evidence and transparency
Sources & review
Source record details
- Source availability
- Active
- Sources checked
- 16 October 2026
- Original website title
- keis/base58 · Official homepage title · retained in its source language