89 lines
2.5 KiB
Markdown
89 lines
2.5 KiB
Markdown
# Join Testnet
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## Introduction
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Anyone can set up a **Lotus Node** and connect to the **Lotus Testnet**. This is the best way to explore the current CLI and the **Filecoin Decentralized Storage Market**.
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If you have installed older versions, you may need to clear existing chain data, stored wallets and miners if you run into any errors. You can use this command:
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```sh
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rm -rf ~/.lotus ~/.lotusstorage
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```
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## Note: Using the Lotus Node from China
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If you are trying to use `lotus` from China. You should set this **environment variable** on your machine:
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```sh
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IPFS_GATEWAY="https://proof-parameters.s3.cn-south-1.jdcloud-oss.com/ipfs/"
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```
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## Get started
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Start the **daemon** using the default configuration in `./build`:
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```sh
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lotus daemon
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```
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In another terminal window, check your connection with peers:
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```sh
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lotus net peers | wc -l
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```
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In order to connect to the network, you need to be connected to at least 1 peer. If you’re seeing 0 peers, read our [troubleshooting notes](https://docs.lotu.sh/en+setup-troubleshooting).
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## Chain sync
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While the daemon is running, the next requirement is to sync the chain. Run the command below to start the chain sync progress. To see current chain height, visit the [network stats page](http://stats.testnet.filecoin.io/).
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```sh
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lotus sync wait
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```
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- This step will take anywhere between 30 minutes to a few hours.
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- You will be able to perform **Lotus Testnet** operations after it is finished.
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## Create your first address
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Initialize a new wallet:
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```sh
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lotus wallet new
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```
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Sometimes your operating system may limit file name length to under 150 characters. You need to use a file system that supports long filenames.
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Here is an example of the response:
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```sh
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t1aswwvjsae63tcrniz6x5ykvsuotlgkvlulnqpsi
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```
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- Visit the [faucet](https://lotus-faucet.kittyhawk.wtf/funds.html) to add funds.
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- Paste the address you created.
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- Press the send button.
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## Check wallet address balance
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Wallet balances in the Lotus Testnet are in **FIL**, the smallest denomination of FIL is an **attoFil**, where 1 attoFil = 10^-18 FIL.
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```sh
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lotus wallet balance <YOUR_NEW_ADDRESS>
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```
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You will not see any attoFIL in your wallet if your **chain** is not fully synced.
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## Send FIL to another wallet
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To send FIL to another wallet, use this command:
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```
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lotus send <target> <amount>
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```
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## Monitor the dashboard
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To see the latest network activity, including **chain block height**, **block height**, **blocktime**, **total network power**, largest **block producer miner**, check out the [monitoring dashboard](https://stats.testnet.filecoin.io).
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