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Arkd

arkd is a Go server implementation for an Arkade instance built on the Ark protocol. It manages Bitcoin batch outputs, facilitates off-chain transfers, and provides liquidity for on-chain commitment settlements.

Explore the practical guide ↓

Independent OpenViST project profile, based on linked sources.

Arkd — OpenViST project profile in Infrastructure.
OpenViST project illustration. See the linked sources for product details.
Understand the project

Practical overview

When it fits

Use arkd when developing or evaluating server-side infrastructure for an Arkade instance and its off-chain Bitcoin transactions. Its documented alpha status makes the project's production-use warning important to consider.

Who it is for

  • Operators running an Arkade instance
  • Developers building server-side Bitcoin execution applications around Arkade
  • Teams evaluating Arkade infrastructure in local or test-network environments

Documented uses

  • Create and manage batch outputs through Bitcoin transactions
  • Facilitate off-chain transactions between users
  • Provide liquidity for commitment transactions that settle batches on-chain
  • Set up a local regtest development environment for arkd
Before you choose

Requirements & limits

The repository is public and specifies an MIT license. Its README provides release-binary installation instructions and Docker package links.

  • The README marks the software alpha, experimental, and not for production use.
  • Supported Bitcoin networks listed in the README include regtest, testnet3, signet, mutinynet, and mainnet.
  • Configuration supports PostgreSQL, SQLite, or Badger for the main database; PostgreSQL or Badger for event storage; and Redis or in-memory live storage.
  • The documented wallet setup includes signer configuration, wallet unlocking, on-chain BTC funding, and a wait of at least two confirmations.
  • Local development requires Go 1.26 or later and Nigiri.

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

Set up an arkd wallet and prepare it for operation

Follow the documented startup and wallet-funding sequence for an arkd instance.

Before you start

  • arkd and arkd-wallet installed and configured
  • A configured wallet signer or custom signer, unless loading a signer during setup
  • BTC for the on-chain wallet address

Steps

  1. Start arkd-wallet, then start arkd.

  2. Create a wallet with a password or restore one using a mnemonic and password.

  3. If neither the wallet nor a custom signer is configured as signer, load the signer before unlocking the wallet.

  4. Unlock the wallet, generate a funding address, send BTC to it, and wait for at least two confirmations.

Expected outcome

A funded, unlocked arkd wallet prepared for use by the server.

Guide limitations

  • The README identifies arkd as alpha software and says not to use it in production.
  • Signer loading may need to be repeated at each restart unless the required environment variables are exported.
Documentation 1 ↗
Source-based practical guide

Prepare a local regtest development environment

Set up the documented prerequisites and start arkd in local development mode.

Before you start

  • Go version 1.26 or later
  • Nigiri
  • The arkd repository

Steps

  1. Start the local Bitcoin environment with nigiri start.

  2. Clone the arkd repository and change into its directory.

  3. Download Go dependencies with the command below.

    Documented command
    go mod download

  4. Start the wallet using the command below or the command below, then start arkd with the command below or the command below.

    Documented command
    make run-wallet
    Documented command
    make run-wallet-nosigner
    Documented command
    make run-light
    Documented command
    make run

Expected outcome

The documented local regtest services and arkd development process are started.

Guide limitations

  • The README notes that wallet startup also starts PostgreSQL and NBXplorer services from docker-compose.regtest.yml.
  • The README advises using make docker-stop to tear down the development environment.
  • The project is alpha software and is not recommended by its README for production use.
Documentation 1 ↗
Evidence and transparency

Sources & review

Official repository ↗
Source record details
Source availability
Active
Sources checked
14 October 2026
Original website title
arkade-os/arkd · Official homepage title · retained in its source language
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