# 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:

{% code overflow="wrap" %}

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

{% endcode %}

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.
