How to Deploy the Apla Blockchain Platform: A Step-by-Step Guide

Feb 4, 2022 | Blockchain

Deploying a blockchain platform may seem daunting, but the Apla blockchain makes it accessible for developers exploring the collaborative economy. Apla offers a robust infrastructure, allowing you to build digital ecosystems efficiently. This guide will walk you through the deployment process, using real-world analogies to simplify complex concepts.

Understanding Apla’s Architecture

Think of the Apla blockchain as a well-coordinated orchestra. Each section (components such as the go-apla service, PostgreSQL database, and Centrifugo notification service) plays its unique part, contributing to a harmonious performance (the blockchain network). Just like musicians must tune their instruments before a concert, you need to properly install and configure these components to ensure everything works correctly.

Getting Started with Apla

There are several ways to get started with Apla:

  • Apla Testnet: A testing environment where you can build and test applications. Access it directly from your browser at https://test.apla.io.
  • Apla Quickstart: A compact software package to deploy a local Apla blockchain network. Suitable for MacOS and Linux users.
  • Deployment Guide: For those ready to deploy their own network, detailed instructions can be found in the Apla blockchain network deployment guide.

Installation Prerequisites

Before installing Apla, ensure you have the following:

  • Go version 1.10.x and above
  • Centrifugo version 1.8
  • PostgreSQL versions 10 and above

Setting Up PostgreSQL

Your Apla blockchain uses PostgreSQL to store its current state. Consider PostgreSQL as the library where all the essential information about your blockchain is neatly organized.

Follow these commands to set up the database:

sudo -u postgres psql -c "ALTER USER postgres WITH PASSWORD 'apla';"
sudo -u postgres psql -c "CREATE DATABASE apladb;"

Configuring Centrifugo

Centrifugo serves as the notification service, akin to a messenger that whispers updates about ongoing transactions to users.

Specify the Centrifugo secret in the configuration file:

echo secret:CENT_SECRET > config.json

Installing go-apla

Install the go-apla service, the core of Apla nodes that facilitates communication between nodes and clients:

go get -v github.com/AplaProject/go-apla
cp $HOME/go/bin/go-apla opt/apla-go-apla

Configuring Your Node

Create a configuration file for your node. Think of this as creating a blueprint that guides your blockchain’s infrastructure:

opt/apla-go-apla config --dataDir=opt/apla-go-apla/node1 \
  --dbName=apladb --centSecret=CENT_SECRET \
  --centUrl=http://10.10.99.1:8000 \
  --httpHost=10.10.99.1 --httpPort=7079 \
  --tcpHost=10.10.99.1 --tcpPort=7078

Generating Your Blockchain

Now it’s time to generate the first block of your new blockchain network! Without this first block, it’s like starting a race without the starting gun:

opt/apla-go-apla generateFirstBlock --config=opt/apla-go-apla/node1/config.toml --test=true

Starting go-apla and Centrifugo

To kickstart your backend services:

opt/apla/centrifugo centrifugo -a 10.10.99.1 -p 8000 --config opt/apla/centrifugo/config.json
opt/apla-go-apla start --config=opt/apla-go-apla/node1/config.toml

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any issues during the setup process, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

  • Ensure that all services are running correctly, and check your logs for any error messages.
  • Verify that your PostgreSQL database is correctly set up and accessible from your Apla node.
  • Check network configurations to ensure that all IP addresses and ports are correctly configured.

For more insights, updates, or to collaborate on AI development projects, stay connected with fxis.ai.

Conclusion

With the simple steps outlined above, you can successfully deploy your own Apla blockchain platform! Remember, like any great performance, practice and familiarity are key to becoming a master conductor in the world of blockchain technology.

At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.

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