Why use P2PKH instead of P2PK?

Historically, P2PKH has been the predominant script utilized for securing an output and directing it towards a specific individual's public key. Its widespread adoption underscores its efficiency and reliability in ensuring secure transactions.

While P2PKH and P2PK (Pay To Public Key) share functional similarities, there lies a crucial distinction between the two. At its core, P2PKH introduces an additional layer of abstraction by utilizing a hashed version of the public key, rather than the raw public key itself.

The inclusion of a public key hash within a P2PKH lock enhances security by concealing the full public key. This approach minimizes the risk of exposing sensitive information, making it more difficult for unauthorized parties to intercept or manipulate the transaction.

P2PKH, or Pay To Public Key Hash, represents a fundamental script pattern employed in the world of Bitcoin transactions. This legacy method serves as a means to facilitate the "sending" of bitcoins to a designated recipient.

The adoption of P2PKH underscores the ongoing evolution of Bitcoin's scripting language. As the cryptocurrency landscape continues to expand, developers strive to enhance transaction efficiency, security, and user experience.