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Ergo Full Node Installation Guide#

This guide covers the manual setup process for running an Ergo full node. For alternative methods, see Docker Setup or Running on Android.

Getting Started#

Preparing Your Environment#

  1. Create a Folder: Start by creating a dedicated folder for your Ergo node files (e.g., ergo in your home directory).
  2. Obtain the Ergo Client JAR: You have two main options:
    • Download (Recommended): Visit the Ergo GitHub releases page and download the latest stable ergo-<version>.jar file. This is the simplest method for most users. Place the downloaded JAR file in your ergo folder.
    • Build from Source: If you need a specific version (like a Release Candidate) or want to contribute to development, you can compile the JAR yourself. This requires Git, JDK, and SBT.

Setting Up Your Node#

  1. Create a Configuration File (ergo.conf):

    • In your ergo folder, create a text file named ergo.conf.
    • This file overrides default node settings. Only add settings you need to change.
    • Start with a basic configuration (adjust apiKeyHash later if needed): 
      ergo {
    node {
        mining = false // Disable mining unless intended
    }
}
scorex {
    restApi {
        // Set a secure API key hash for API access
        // Example hash for password "hello":
        apiKeyHash = "324dcf027dd4a30a932c441f365a25e86b173defa4b8e58948253471b81b72cf" 
    }
}
    • For more configuration options, see the Configuration Files documentation.

  2. Launch Your Node:

    • Open a terminal or command prompt in your ergo folder.
    • Run the node using the java -jar command, specifying the JAR file, network (--mainnet or --testnet), and configuration file (-c). Allocate sufficient memory using -Xmx. 
      # Example for mainnet with 4GB RAM allocated
java -jar -Xmx4G ergo-<version>.jar --mainnet -c ergo.conf
    • Adjust -Xmx4G based on your system's available RAM (e.g., -Xmx2G, -Xmx8G). More RAM generally improves performance, especially during sync.
    • Replace ergo-<version>.jar with the actual name of your downloaded or built JAR file.

  3. Wait for Initialization & Synchronization:

    • The node will start up and begin synchronizing with the Ergo network. This process downloads and validates the blockchain history.
    • Synchronization can take a significant amount of time (hours to days) depending on your hardware, network speed, and the chosen Node Mode. Be patient.

Verifying Node Synchronization#

  1. Monitor via Web Panel: Open http://127.0.0.1:9053/panel (or port 9052 for testnet) in your web browser. During sync, it should show "Active synchronization" and increasing block height.
  2. Check Sync Status: Once synchronization is complete, the panel will indicate "Node is synced." You can also check the /info endpoint (http://127.0.0.1:9053/info) and compare the reported fullHeight with a reliable public explorer like explorer.ergoplatform.com.

Additional Resources#