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Scaling Lightning

Scaling Lightning is an open-source Go command-line toolkit for testing the Lightning Network protocol, its implementations, and dependent applications. Its README documents creating an example network on Kubernetes and operating its nodes through CLI commands.

Explore the practical guide ↓

Independent OpenViST project profile, based on linked sources.

Scaling Lightning — OpenViST project profile in Developer Tools.
OpenViST project illustration. See the linked sources for product details.
Understand the project

Practical overview

When it fits

Use it when you need a CLI-managed Lightning test environment and can provide the Kubernetes and Helm-based infrastructure it requires.

Who it is for

  • Developers testing Lightning-dependent applications or network implementations.
  • Researchers and operators exploring Lightning behavior and infrastructure in a test environment.
  • Learners seeking a network environment for hands-on exploration.

Documented uses

  • Create and remove an example Lightning network on Kubernetes.
  • List nodes and inspect wallet balances or public keys.
  • Connect peers, open channels, send on-chain funds between nodes, and generate blocks.
  • Run an example workflow from Go code.
Before you choose

Requirements & limits

The repository is public and identifies the project as MIT-licensed. The README describes downloading a system-specific CLI binary from GitHub Releases.

  • The documented setup requires Kubernetes, Helm 3, Helmfile, Helm Diff, and Traefik.
  • The README warns that the project is still far from complete.
  • The documented example creates two CLN nodes and four LND nodes; wider combinations and signet or Regtest use are described as project aims.

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

Create and inspect the example Lightning network

Use the documented CLI workflow to start the example network and inspect its nodes.

Before you start

  • A Kubernetes cluster configured as the current default kubectl context; Docker Desktop with Kubernetes enabled or minikube are listed local options.
  • Helm 3, Helmfile, Helm Diff, and Traefik 3.x with Helm chart version 41.0.0 or later.
  • The Scaling Lightning binary for the system in use.

Steps

  1. Install the documented prerequisites and configure Traefik using the repository README.

  2. Download the Scaling Lightning release binary, extract it, and run it to display CLI help.

  3. Download the example helmfile at https://raw.githubusercontent.com/scaling-lightning/scaling-lightning/main/examples/helmfiles/public.yaml.

  4. Run ./scaling-lightning create -f public.yaml to create the example network, then ./scaling-lightning list to list its nodes.

Expected outcome

A running example network with two CLN nodes and four LND nodes, with node names available through the CLI.

Guide limitations

  • The project README says it is still far from complete.
  • The workflow depends on Kubernetes and the listed deployment prerequisites.
Documentation 1 ↗
Evidence and transparency

Sources & review

Official repository ↗
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14 October 2026
Original website title
scaling-lightning/scaling-lightning · Official homepage title · retained in its source language
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