Bitcoin Cash Block Explorer: Setup and Configuration Guide

Introduction to Bitcoin Verde

Bitcoin Verde is a comprehensive Java implementation of a Bitcoin Cash (BCH) full node, designed to diversify the BCH network's infrastructure. Unlike the reference client, Bitcoin Verde offers unique features such as:

• Full blockchain storage in an SQL database for advanced querying
• Fork/Orphan tracking with visualization in the block explorer
• Unlimited mempool size with disk persistence
• Multi-threaded architecture for improved transaction processing

👉 Explore Bitcoin Verde's advanced features

Installation Guide

Linux/Mac OS X

1. Clone the Bitcoin Verde repository
2. Run the build script: ./scripts/make.sh
3. Start the node: ./out/scripts/node.sh
4. Access the block explorer at http://localhost:8080

Windows Compatibility

While not extensively tested on Windows, Bitcoin Verde can run using:

1. Install Git Bash
2. Follow Linux installation steps within the Git Bash terminal

Key Features Breakdown

Database Architecture

Bitcoin Verde stores blockchain data in a MariaDB database with:

• Nested Set Model for efficient fork/orphan tracking
• Address indexing for instant balance queries
• Optional trimming to reduce storage requirements (disables full node functionality)

Performance Enhancements

• libsecp256k1 integration for faster signature validation
• NativeUnspentTransactionOutputCache for optimized UTXO handling
• Multi-threading across all operations

Module Overview

Bitcoin Verde operates through specialized modules:

👉 Learn more about node diversification

Configuration Parameters

Essential Settings

# Database Configuration
database.port=8336
database.maxMemoryByteCount=2GB

# Network Settings
bitcoin.port=8333
bitcoin.maxPeerCount=32

# Explorer Settings
explorer.port=8080
explorer.tlsPort=4443

Security Recommendations

1. Never run as root
2. Use reverse proxy for public-facing explorers
3. Regularly update SSL certificates
4. Monitor node connections

RPC Protocol

Bitcoin Verde's JSON-RPC interface (port 8334 by default) supports:

Common Commands:

• GET TRANSACTION - Retrieve transaction details
• GET BALANCE - Check address balance
• POST SHUTDOWN - Graceful node shutdown

Example Request:

{
  "method": "GET",
  "query": "TRANSACTION",
  "parameters": {
    "hash": "917A95AADA7B17A10661CAA2EE379E05CD816E9AB9E5C7651A371909B7222812"
  }
}

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does Bitcoin Verde differ from Bitcoin Cash Node?

A: Bitcoin Verde is a ground-up Java implementation offering unique features like SQL storage and comprehensive fork tracking, while Bitcoin Cash Node is a C++ fork of Bitcoin Core.

Q: Can I run Bitcoin Verde alongside other node implementations?

A: Yes, Bitcoin Verde is designed to complement existing infrastructure and increase network implementation diversity.

Q: What are the minimum system requirements?

A: Requirements vary based on configuration, but generally:

• 4GB RAM minimum (8GB recommended)
• 500GB+ storage for full node
• Modern multi-core processor

Q: How do I enable SSL for the block explorer?

A: Configure explorer.tlsKeyFile and explorer.tlsCertificateFile paths in your configuration, using PKCS-formatted keys.

Conclusion

Bitcoin Verde represents a significant advancement in Bitcoin Cash node technology, offering:

• Enhanced query capabilities through SQL storage
• Improved network resilience through implementation diversity
• Advanced visualization of network forks
• Flexible configuration for various use cases

For node operators looking to contribute to network health or researchers needing advanced blockchain analysis tools, Bitcoin Verde provides a powerful alternative to traditional node implementations.