Practical overview
When it fits
Use Thor when you need the official Go client to operate a VeChainThor node or develop software that interacts with the public blockchain.
Who it is for
- Operators who want to run a VeChainThor public full node.
- Developers building applications or tools that interact with VeChainThor.
- Prospective validators researching node setup and participation requirements.
Documented uses
- Build and run a VeChainThor node that syncs the mainnet.
- Provide node access for applications or tooling that interacts with the network.
- Build software targeting VeChainThor's EVM environment.
Requirements & limits
The project is open source under the LGPL-3.0 license. It documents source-build and Docker deployment routes.
- Source builds require Go and a C compiler; Docker is also documented.
- The listed public full node baseline is 8 CPU cores, 64 GB RAM, 20 Mbit bandwidth and a 1 TB SSD.
- The project states that at least 45,000 IOPS is needed for an approximate 30-hour sync; observed sync time depends on hardware, configuration and bandwidth.
- Validator participation is distinct from starting a full node and requires endorsement criteria and a vote.
- The README says Solidity compiler 0.8.25 or later should target the Shanghai EVM version.
Check current requirements in the official documentation. Source-based guidance does not mean OpenViST has run or independently tested this project.
Build and start a VeChainThor mainnet node from source
Compile Thor and start syncing a mainnet full node using the documented source workflow.
Before you start
- Go and a C compiler
- Hardware and bandwidth suitable for node operation
Steps
Clone the Thor repository and enter its directory.
Check out the latest stable release using the repository's documented git command.
Run
maketo build Thor.Run
bin/thor --network mainnetto begin syncing.
Expected outcome
Thor begins syncing mainnet and is accessible locally at http://localhost:8669/.
Guide limitations
- Sync duration varies with hardware, configuration and bandwidth.
- Validator participation requires additional steps, meeting endorsement criteria and being voted in.
Start a VeChainThor mainnet node with Docker
Launch the documented Docker configuration for a mainnet full node.
Before you start
- Docker
- A local data directory for persistent node data
Steps
Use the repository's Docker CLI example or its provided Docker Compose configuration.
Configure the node for mainnet and expose the documented API and peer-network ports.
Start the container to begin syncing.
Expected outcome
The node begins syncing mainnet and is accessible locally at http://localhost:8669/.
Guide limitations
- Sync duration depends on hardware, configuration and bandwidth.
- The example is for a full node; validator participation has additional requirements.
Sources & review
Source record details
- Source availability
- Active
- Sources checked
- 13 October 2026
- Original website title
- vechain/thor · Official homepage title · retained in its source language

