Thanks, that makes sense. It stores the derivation path and script types in the key.

my understanding is that its basically a codified way of asking this OPs question , so if need to import a wallet into new software that new software can access the funds and you can spend from it

https://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/questions/99540/what-are-output-descriptors

_b_o_n_e_s_

What does descriptor wallet mean? A seed phrase instead of a private key?

bren

bitcoin

Factors (besides seed phrase) which cause you to not be able to recover wallet?

Signal312

Bitcoin core qt now uses descriptor wallets. If you've just backed up a private key it's hard to import it. You need to create a legacy wallet and migrate it.