How To Run A Bitcoin Cash Node On Linux

One sole purpose of Bitcoin Cash (BCH) is scaling. Since its debut in 2017, the Bitcoin (BTC) hard fork has taken much of the market's share, solidifying its position as the best alternative to the flagship cryptocurrency.

Bitcoin Cash relies on a network of nodes to validate transactions, secure the blockchain, and maintain consensus among participants. In this article, we will provide clear instructions on how to run a Bitcoin Cash node on a Linux system, along with the necessary requirements for node deployment.

We recommend conducting a thorough analysis before proceeding further.

Bitcoin Cash Node: An Overview

Bitcoin Cash: A Brief Story

In 2017, Bitcoin experienced a remarkable surge in price, skyrocketing from $1,000 to $19,000 over the course of the year. But not all Bitcoin insiders were completely satisfied with this price breakthrough. During the same period, Bitcoin's market share steeply declined from 95% to 40% due to the lack of widespread use cases and scalability limitations.

Back-and-forth discussions ultimately led to a solution - a Bitcoin hard fork.  This resulted in the creation of a separate cryptocurrency called Bitcoin Cash. Embracing a unique set of values and innovative features, Bitcoin Cash is a promising contender within the dynamic landscape of cryptocurrencies.

What is a Bitcoin Cash node?

A Bitcoin Cash node is a computer or server running specialized software that communicates with other nodes in the network. It serves as a connection point for users, miners, and developers, allowing them to interact with the Bitcoin Cash blockchain.

Nodes validate transactions by verifying that they adhere to the network's rules and consensus protocol. Nodes also store a complete copy of the blockchain, enabling them to synchronize with other nodes and maintain an up-to-date record of all transactions and blocks.

By running a Bitcoin Cash node, individuals contribute to the network's decentralization and security. This decentralized approach ensures that no single entity has complete control over the network, enhancing participant transparency.

Moreover, Bitcoin Cash nodes provide an avenue for users to access the Bitcoin Cash network directly without relying on third-party services.

Bitcoin Cash Node Requirements

Like running a Dogecoin node, you must meet the following requirements to run a Bitcoin Cash node effectively.

• Hardware: Multi-core CPU is perfect, given that your computer or server will execute multiple tasks simultaneously. It's important to note that you can do other things while running the node.
• RAM: Minimum 3GB. As the Bitcoin Cash network grows over time, you will need adequate storage space to store data and maintain an efficient workflow.
• Operating System: Linux is a popular choice for running Bitcoin Cash nodes due to its stability, security, and compatibility with the necessary software packages. Recommended Linux distributions include Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, and Fedora.
• Software: A Bitcoin Cash-compatible node software implementation, such as Bitcoin ABC, Bitcoin Unlimited, or BCHD. Choose software that aligns with your preferences and requirements.
• Internet Connectivity: A stable and reliable internet connection with sufficient bandwidth to handle the data transmission between your node and other nodes in the Bitcoin Cash network.
• Security Measures: Use firewalls, encryption, and other security practices to protect your node and its associated private keys. Regularly back up your node's data to prevent data loss in case of hardware failures or other unforeseen circumstances.

How to Set Up a Bitcoin Cash Node on Linux

The following guide will show you how to deploy a Bitcoin Cash node on Linux.

Step 1: Set up a system

• Ensure you have a Linux-based operating system installed on your machine.
• Open a terminal window.

Step 2: Download the Bitcoin Cash software

• Visit the official Bitcoin Cash website or the GitHub repository to get the latest version of the Bitcoin Cash software.
• Get a relevant file in Download.

• Use the following command to clone the Bitcoin Cash software repository:

git clone https://github.com/bitcoin-cash-node/bitcoin-cash-node.git

Step 3: Install and configure the node

• Change to the directory containing the Bitcoin Cash software:

• Next, you need to choose between building just the node, the node with wallet support, or the node and QT client. Use the following commands for each option.

1. Building just the node:

cmake -GNinja .. -DBUILD_BITCOIN_WALLET=OFF -DBUILD_BITCOIN_QT=OFF

2. Building the node with wallet support:

cmake -GNinja .. -DBUILD_BITCOIN_QT=OFF

3. Building the node and QT client:

cmake -GNinja ..

• Once you've chosen the desired option, proceed with the build:

ninja

• After the build completes successfully, you will find the following binaries in /build/src/(qt) directory:

bitcoind, bitcoin-cli, bitcoin-tx (and optionally bitcoin-qt for GUI).

• Optionally, you can run the tests:

ninja check # recommended

• Once the tests pass, you can install the newly built binaries to your bin directory.
• Customize the configuration file to specify your preferred settings, such as network-related parameters, data directory, and RPC settings. Save the file.

Step 4: Synchronize the BTH blockchain

• Start the Bitcoin Cash node by running the following command:

./src/bitcoind -daemon

• The node will begin synchronizing with the Bitcoin Cash blockchain. This process may take some time, as it involves downloading and validating the entire blockchain.