The Factom Protocol has transitioned into the Accumulate Era as of October 31, 2022. In this article, we’ll explore how to effectively set up a node using Docker, understand the configuration, and even dive into local development options with the latest iterations of the protocol.

What is Factom?

Factom is an open-source blockchain project specifically designed to store structured data immutably and at a fixed cost. It offers excellent data integrity verification capabilities, making it suitable for businesses, governments, and various entities aiming to record and preserve their data efficiently.

Getting Started

Before delving into running a node, you need to establish the software requirements and understand the steps involved.

Prerequisites:

• Git – for version control
• A recent version of Go that supports Go modules
• Make – to facilitate the build process

Running a Node with Docker

To quickly get started, you can use Docker to run Factom. The official Docker images can be pulled from the repository as follows:

docker run -d --name factomd -p 8088:8088 -p 8090:8090 -p 8108:8108 factomincfactomd:master-alpine

Building and Installing Factomd

If you prefer the installation route, execute the following commands to clone the repository and build the project:

git clone https://github.com/FactomProject/factomd
cd factomd
make # or make install to install factomd into GOBIN folder

Running Factomd

To run Factomd with default configurations, use this command:

factomd

This will create a default folder located at ~/.factom where the node database will be stored by default.

Configuration

The configuration of Factomd can be adjusted in two ways:

• By passing flags when running the command. Use factomd --help to view supported parameters.
• By editing the factomd.conf configuration file.

To set up the config file, execute:

mkdir -p ~/.factom/m2
cp factomd.conf ~/.factom/m2

Running Factomd for Local Development

For those interested in local development, you can create a local node by running the following command:

factomd --network=LOCAL --blktime=60

This sets the block time to 60 seconds for development convenience. You can access the Web UI at http://localhost:8090. The address FA2jK2HcLnRdS94dEcU27rF3meoJfpUcZPSinpb7AwQvPRY6RL1Q comes pre-loaded with Factoids for testing purposes.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while running or configuring Factom, consider these troubleshooting tips:

• Ensure Docker is correctly installed and configured.
• Check that Git and Go are installed and paths are set properly.
• Verify the ports 8088, 8090, and 8108 are not blocked or in use by another application.
• Consult the configuration file for any errors or misconfigurations.

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

Conclusion

As the Accumulate Era unfolds, the opportunities presented by the Factom Protocol are immense. With the right setup and configurations, you can leverage this technology to enhance data integrity in various applications.

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.