How to Set Up and Troubleshoot the Blockstack Browser

Aug 4, 2023 | Blockchain

The Blockstack Browser allows users to explore the decentralized Blockstack internet. However, it’s important to note that this project has been deprecated in favor of the Blockstack App. In this guide, we will walk you through the setup process for both macOS and Windows, along with troubleshooting tips to resolve common issues.

Table of Contents

Releases

To get started, download the latest release from here.

Developing

For macOS

Follow these steps to set up Blockstack on macOS (Note: tested on macOS 10.13):

  1. Download and install the latest release of Blockstack for Mac.
  2. Start Blockstack.
  3. Option-click the Blockstack menu bar item and select Enable Development Mode.
  4. Clone the repository: git clone https://github.com/blockstack/blockstack-browser.git
  5. Install node dependencies: npm install
  6. Run the development server: npm run dev

For Windows

Here are the instructions for Windows development:

  1. Ensure you have Wix Toolset v3.11.1 and Visual Studio 2017 installed.
  2. Run the command: npm run win32

This command will compile the native app and create the MSI installation file.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues, here are some common problems and solutions:

  • The sign-in page does not load: This may happen if you’re developing in a different port (3000) compared to production (8888). You need to manually change the URL from localhost:8888 to localhost:3000.
  • The sign-in page does not load with localhost:3000: Check the auth= query parameter in the URL. If it has unnecessary characters, remove them and refresh the page.

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

Tech Stack

The Blockstack Browser uses a combination of advanced technologies, including:

Conclusion

Setting up the Blockstack Browser can seem like a complex task but following the steps outlined in this guide should help you get started. Remember that this project is now deprecated; for ongoing development, consider transitioning to the Blockstack App. 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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