> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ramestta.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ramestta.com/blockchain-fundamental/ethereum/transactions.md). # Transactions The term transaction refers to the transfer of funds between two accounts. The payload can be binary data or ether. Blockchain transactions are transfers of value. Transactions are when one person gives another a certain amount of cryptocurrency they own. For crypto transactions on the blockchain, you need a wallet, a program that keeps track of your crypto and enables you to transact with it, and which is linked to the blockchain. An individual wallet is protected by a special cryptographic method based on a pair of unique but connected keys: a private key and a public key. For a user to receive funds, a public key (also known as an address) must be shared. Contrary to public keys, private keys must be kept secret, just like the pin number on your bank card, since they authorize the spending of funds. By using their wallet, users can authorize, sign, and transfer value to new owners. After broadcasting, the transaction is added to the blockchain. A transaction consists of three main components: The term transaction refers to the transfer of funds between two accounts. The payload can be binary data or ether. Blockchain transactions are transfers of value. Transactions are when one person gives another a certain amount of cryptocurrency they own. For crypto transactions on the blockchain, you need a wallet, a program that keeps track of your crypto and enables you to transact with it, and which is linked to the blockchain. An individual wallet is protected by a special cryptographic method based on a pair of unique but connected keys: a private key and a public key. For a user to receive funds, a public key (also known as an address) must be shared. Contrary to public keys, private keys must be kept secret, just like the pin number on your bank card, since they authorize the spending of funds. By using their wallet, users can authorize, sign, and transfer value to new owners. After broadcasting, the transaction is added to the blockchain. A transaction consists of three main components: * **The input:** Alice’s private coin address, where she is currently holding the coins she wants to spend. * **The output:** Bob’s public key or coin address. * **Amounts:** the amount of coins Alice wants to spend. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.ramestta.com/blockchain-fundamental/ethereum/transactions.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.