---
id: chiabip158
version: "1.5.4"
license: Apache License
license_treatment: permissive
maintenance: active
---

# chiabip158 — Chia BIP158 (wraps C++)

License: permissive · Maintenance: active · Downloads: 427.3K/mo

## What it is and what it does

chiabip158 is a Python wrapper around a C++ implementation of BIP 158, the Bitcoin Improvement Proposal standard for compact block filters. It provides the core algorithm for constructing and working with block filters—a space-efficient way to represent which transactions are in a block without transmitting the full block data. This is foundational infrastructure for lightweight blockchain clients and indexing systems.

The package is maintained by the Chia Network and serves as a reference implementation and building block for BIP 157 support (which adds a network protocol for distributing these filters). It has no Python runtime dependencies, relying entirely on its compiled C++ core. Installation is straightforward on modern Python versions via prebuilt wheels, though older Python versions may require a C++ compiler and build tools.

Use it for:

- Building lightweight blockchain clients that need to filter blocks without downloading full block data
- Implementing block indexing systems that construct and store BIP 158 filters for historical blockchain data
- Developing BIP 157 network protocol support to serve block filters to other clients
- Cryptocurrency wallet applications that need efficient block scanning without full node overhead
- Blockchain analysis and research requiring compact filter generation and querying

## Worth the install?

AI-flagged interpretation of the facts above — verify before relying.

Implements the BIP 158 compact block filter construction algorithm, providing a C++ backend wrapped for Python to generate and work with block filters for blockchain applications.

Yes, if you are building or contributing to Chia blockchain infrastructure or implementing BIP 158/157 support. The package is actively maintained, has no external dependencies, and offers prebuilt wheels for modern Python versions. Install friction is moderate but manageable. Not relevant for general-purpose Python development outside blockchain contexts.

## Install

pip install chiabip158
uv add chiabip158
poetry add chiabip158

## Installing chiabip158

Before you install: Medium install friction due to compiled C++ bindings; prebuilt wheels available for multiple Python versions on macOS, Linux (x64 and aarch64), and Windows. No runtime dependencies. Last release 281 days ago; repository is active with recent commits.

License in practice: Licensed under Apache License (permissive), allowing commercial and private use with minimal restrictions.

Quickstart:

pip install chiabip158

import chiabip158
# Use the module's filter construction functions as documented in the repository

Requires Python 3.7 or later; prebuilt wheels available for modern Python versions. Older Python versions may require compilation from source.

Verify before relying:

- What specific functions or classes are exposed by the module for filter construction and querying
- Whether the package is actively used in production Chia blockchain deployments or remains primarily a reference implementation
- Performance characteristics and filter size/speed trade-offs compared to alternative implementations

## Package facts

- License: Apache License (permissive)
- Python support: supports_current
- Install friction: medium
- Maintenance: active
- Downloads: 427.3K/month (top 15,000 on PyPI)
- Known vulnerabilities: none known

## Tags

BIP 158 block filters, compact block filter construction, blockchain filter implementation, BIP 157 support library, block filter generation, cryptocurrency block indexing, Chia network filters, blockchain, cryptography, bip-158

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