A new version of Bitcoin Core has been released

To mark the 10th anniversary of Bitcoin, the development team released Bitcoin Core 0.17.0. The seventeenth generation of the original Bitcoin client software launched by Satoshi Nakamoto almost a decade ago.

The new version of Bitcoin Core includes new features, a number of improvements and bug fixes. As a result of working on hundreds of change requests, the team has introduced significant updates to the most popular Bitcoin client.

Creating and using new wallets

Starting with Bitcoin Core version 0.15.0, it was possible to create several wallets simultaneously, each of which contains its own separate bitcoin addresses, private keys and, as a result, separate funds. Users can use different wallets for different needs. For example, one wallet is used for daily personal purchases, and the other is used exclusively for business purposes.

However, until now, the process of creating wallets was only possible when starting a new node for the first time. Now these restrictions have been lifted. You can not only create your new wallet at any time, but also use a graphical client for this, which was impossible in the previous version. In addition to ease of use, a new function “scantxoutset” has been added. It makes it possible to quickly verify the contents of a new wallet through UTXO analysis, eliminating the need to scan the entire transaction history.

Smooth transition from the old wallet format to HD addresses

Previously, users using client versions older than 0.13 to transition to HD addresses (Hierarchical Deterministic) were forced to completely save their private keys. When using HD addresses, it is enough to save the so-called seed phrase as a wallet backup. The seed phrase is 12, 18 or 24 words from the standard list.

However, users who updated to version 0.13 and higher were still unable to create HD wallets. And due to incompatibility between legacy and HD wallets, users were increasingly delaying backups. 

Starting with version 0.17, users will be able to upgrade their wallets to HD format. In addition, users who already have an HD wallet will be able to select or import a new seed phrase.

Optimized Coin Selection

Bitcoin Core 0.17.0 introduces two important improvements thanks to the “Branch and Bound” algorithm. This makes it possible to avoid the need for so-called “change addresses” and simplifies the commission calculation process..

In addition, the new optimized selection of coins significantly increases the confidentiality of transactions.

Reducing the stored blockchain fragment through the user interface

The “blockchain reduction” function in earlier versions was only available through the command line. Version 0.17 makes it possible to use it from a graphical interface, which greatly simplifies the process of launching your own node. Thanks to this feature, the node does not automatically save old transactions and stores only those that are necessary for secure operation.

Partially Signed Transactions

Starting with Bitcoin Core version 0.17, support for the BIP 174 protocol, Partially Signed Bitcoin Transaction (PSBT), became available. This makes it possible to partially sign a transaction while preserving metadata that allows the transaction to be completed later. 

According to https://bitcoinmagazine.com