Join The Testnet

We’ll create a folder, download two tiny helper files, and start your node.

What is a node? A node is the app that talks to other nodes, keeps a copy of the blockchain, and shares new blocks. It’s like joining a group chat and keeping the chat history.

Step 1 — Create a folder and open it

Paste one line at a time:

mkdir equilibria-testnetcd equilibria-testnet

Step 2 — Download the helper files

Use curl (available on Windows/macOS/Linux). Paste these:

curl -L -o testnet_launcher.py https://your-repo.com/testnet_launcher.py

curl -L -o community_launcher.py https://your-repo.com/community_launcher.py

What are these files? Little helpers that give you simple commands like testnet-node, service-node, wallet-service.

Step 3 — Install a tiny Python add‑on (one time)

pip3 install requests

What is this? A small tool that lets the helper talk to the node.

Step 4 — Start your node

python3 community_launcher.py testnet-node

What you’ll likely see:

• It may download a Docker image (the app package).

• Messages like Starting testnet node.

• Your node’s control panel (RPC) will be at: http://127.0.0.1:18081

What is RPC? Think "Remote Control Panel". It’s where tools (or you) can ask the node questions like “what block are we on?”

Windows firewall pop‑up? Click Allow.

Step 5 — (Optional) See live status

Open a new PowerShell/Terminal window and run:

python3 community_launcher.py monitor

This shows: latest block, network difficulty, and peer count.

What is “monitor”? A simple status screen that refreshes every few seconds.

How to stop the node

• In the window where it’s running, press Ctrl + C once. Or:

docker stop testnet-node

Port already in use? Start on different ports:

python3 community_launcher.py testnet-node --p2p-port 19080 --rpc-port 19081

Plain English: We changed the two “door numbers” your node uses so they don’t collide with another app.

P2P vs RPC P2P is node‑to‑node chat. RPC is your control panel.