Run a Node
Become a validator. Earn $COMME.
Turn your idle desktop into part of a distributed supercomputer. This guide takes 5 minutes.
// Operator Walkthrough
Install the Binary
Download the Commputer node for your platform. One file, no dependencies.
curl -sSf https://commputer.xyz/install.sh | sh
This downloads the latest binary and places it in ~/.local/bin/commputer. If that directory isn't in your PATH, the installer will tell you how to add it.
Start the Node
Run the node. A wallet is created automatically on first run. Keep your seed phrase safe.
commputer run --testnet
The node will:
- Generate a wallet (keypair) and save it locally
- Print your address (where coins will be sent)
- Print your seed phrase (write it down — you'll need it if your machine fails)
- Connect to the network and sync the blockchain
Check Sync Status
Monitor your node's progress. Syncing takes a few minutes depending on chain height.
commputer status --testnet
Watch for:
- Syncing... → Node is catching up to the tip. Normal on first run.
- Synced → Node is current with the network. Ready to register.
- Block height → Your node's position on the chain.
- Peers connected → How many other nodes you're talking to.
Register as a Validator
Once synced, register your node to start earning rewards. You'll automatically be registered after one epoch, or you can register explicitly.
commputer wallet validate-register --testnet
Your node will:
- Broadcast a ValidatorRegister transaction to the network
- Wait for the transaction to be included in a block
- Start solving proof challenges in the next epoch
- Earn block rewards automatically (check in ~2 minutes)
Claim Your Rewards
Your balance is updated on-chain automatically. Check it anytime.
commputer wallet show --testnet
You'll see:
- Address: Your wallet's public identifier
- Balance: Total $COMME you own
- Validator status: Whether you're registered
- Total mined: Cumulative rewards earned so far
FAQ
What does my computer need to run a node?
A modern desktop or laptop with 4+ GB RAM, 50GB disk, and a stable internet connection. M-series Mac, Intel/AMD x86_64, or ARM64 (Raspberry Pi). The binary is small (~50MB) and uses moderate CPU/memory during normal operation.
How much of my computer's resources will Commputer use?
By default, 20% of idle CPU (once the blockchain is synced). You control this with --cpu-percent. The node runs in user space with no root access. It only uses resources you allocate.
What's the minimum stake to become a validator?
0.01 $COMME during bootstrap (first ~33 minutes). After that, you need 0.01 $COMME in your account to register. You can get coins by mining, trading, or receiving transfers from other validators.
How often do I earn rewards?
Block rewards are awarded per block (~every 2 seconds) and credited to your account automatically. The first reward comes at the next epoch boundary (which occurs roughly every 1800 blocks, or ~1 hour). All rewards are final and can't be taken away.
What if I need to turn off my node?
Your balance is always safe on-chain, regardless of uptime. You simply stop earning new coins while offline. If you want to become a validator again, just run commputer run again — your wallet loads automatically and you can re-register.
Can I run multiple nodes?
Yes, but only one per machine. The protocol detects and penalizes validators who contribute from datacenters or warehouses. "Scale hurts" is a core principle — the system rewards regular people, not corporations.
How do I back up my wallet?
Your seed phrase is the master key. Write it down and store it safely (paper is fine). The seed regenerates your keypair on any machine. Private keys are stored in ~/.commputer/wallet.json — keep that file safe too.
What's the testnet vs mainnet difference?
Testnet will be the public proving ground for Commputer — consensus is currently verified in local multi-node testing, with a wider public testnet as the next milestone. Run a node to learn how the system works. Mainnet launches May 2027 or sooner, with real economic value. Testnet coins are worthless. Plan to migrate your validator to mainnet when it launches.
Where do I report bugs or ask for help?
GitHub Issues for technical bugs, or email [email protected]. Telegram for community questions.
Need Help?
Stuck on installation? Make sure you have curl installed. On Linux: sudo apt install curl. On Mac: brew install curl.
Node won't sync? Check your internet connection. The node needs to reach other nodes via TCP/QUIC. If you're behind a strict firewall, you might need to open ports.
Lost your seed phrase? Your coins are still in your account on-chain. If you lose the seed AND your wallet file, you can't recover the keypair. Write it down immediately.
Still stuck? Email [email protected] with your node logs.