Lightning Address

A Lightning Address is a human-readable identifier designed to simplify receiving payments on the Lightning Network, a second-layer Bitcoin protocol for fast and low-cost transactions. Resembling the familiar format of an email address (such as [email protected]), a Lightning Address abstracts away the technical complexities typically involved in generating payment invoices. Instead of requiring senders to create and manage intricate Lightning payment requests, users can share their Lightning Address as a straightforward payment endpoint.

This innovation significantly enhances the user experience by making Bitcoin payments on the Lightning Network as easy and intuitive as sending an email. When someone wants to send Bitcoin via Lightning, they simply use the recipient's Lightning Address, which internally maps to a payment invoice without exposing the underlying complexity. This approach lowers barriers for everyday users and merchants adopting Lightning payments, fostering broader acceptance and smoother transactions. Overall, Lightning Addresses bridge the technical gap between cryptocurrency networks and user-friendly payment solutions.