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Eclair

Eclair is an open-source Scala implementation of the Bitcoin Lightning Network that follows the Lightning Network Specifications and uses Bitcoin Core for blockchain access, on-chain funds and channel transactions.

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Independent OpenViST project profile, based on linked sources.

Eclair — OpenViST project profile in Protocols.
OpenViST project illustration. See the linked sources for product details.
Understand the project

Practical overview

When it fits

Use Eclair when a self-hosted Bitcoin Lightning implementation or Scala-based Lightning integration is needed, and the operator can provide the required Bitcoin Core node and Java runtime.

Who it is for

  • Operators running self-hosted Bitcoin Lightning infrastructure
  • Developers integrating Lightning payments through a JSON API
  • Scala developers building or adapting Lightning protocol software
  • Teams working with Bitcoin payment channels and BOLTs-compliant implementations

Documented uses

  • Run a Lightning Network node connected to Bitcoin Core
  • Open and manage Bitcoin payment channels
  • Send and receive Lightning payments
  • Integrate Lightning functionality into applications through the HTTP JSON API
  • Develop against a Scala implementation of the Lightning Network Specifications
Before you choose

Requirements & limits

The repository is public and licensed under Apache-2.0. Running Eclair requires local infrastructure, including Bitcoin Core 31 or higher and a Java 21-compatible runtime.

  • Eclair is a protocol implementation rather than a standalone base blockchain.
  • Bitcoin Core is mandatory for blockchain interaction, on-chain funds and channel transaction funding.
  • The Bitcoin Core node must be synchronized, SegWit-ready, wallet-enabled, non-pruning, transaction-indexing and ZeroMQ-enabled.
  • The project targets Java 21 and recommends OpenJDK 21.
  • The JSON API supports application integration but must not be exposed directly to the outside world.

Check current requirements in the official documentation. Source-based guidance does not mean OpenViST has run or independently tested this project.

Source-based practical guide

Prepare the documented Eclair runtime

Set up the documented Bitcoin Core and Java prerequisites, install a release archive and start the Eclair node.

Before you start

  • Bitcoin Core 31 or higher
  • A synchronized, SegWit-ready, wallet-enabled, non-pruning, transaction-indexing Bitcoin Core node with ZeroMQ enabled
  • bech32 or bech32m Bitcoin Core address configuration
  • Java 21-compatible runtime; OpenJDK 21 is recommended
  • An Eclair release ZIP archive

Steps

  1. Configure Bitcoin Core with server access, transaction indexing, bech32m address types, and the documented ZeroMQ block and raw-transaction endpoints.

  2. Ensure the Bitcoin Core wallet and Eclair node data are backed up.

  3. Install Java 21, download the Eclair release archive and unzip it.

  4. Start the supplied bin/eclair-node.sh script, then control the node with eclair-cli or the documented API.

Expected outcome

The documented Eclair node startup path is prepared, with Bitcoin Core providing blockchain access and on-chain wallet functions.

Guide limitations

  • The guide documents setup and startup, not a confirmation of successful operation or payment execution.
  • The JSON API should not be accessible from the outside world.
  • A remote Bitcoin Core node requires an encrypted and authenticated secure tunnel for RPC and ZeroMQ traffic.
Documentation 1 ↗
Evidence and transparency

Sources & review

Official repository ↗
Source record details
Source availability
Active
Sources checked
2 October 2026
Original website title
ACINQ/eclair · Official homepage title · retained in its source language
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