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Simcoin

Simcoin is a Python-based framework that uses Docker to simulate multiple Bitcoin peers on a single Unix host. It drives node activity through RPC commands defined by a pre-configured scenario, creating blocks and transactions with proof-of-work disabled.

Independent OpenViST project profile, based on linked sources.

Simcoin — 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 Simcoin for local, scenario-driven Bitcoin network experiments when a single-host simulation and report are useful.

Who it is for

  • Developers and researchers who need to simulate Bitcoin peer networks locally.
  • Users who want to run scripted blockchain scenarios and inspect their logs and generated reports.

Documented uses

  • Run multiple virtualized Bitcoin peers on one host.
  • Create blocks and transactions through scenario-driven node RPC commands.
  • Review simulation output, node logs and generated PDF reports.
Before you choose

Requirements & limits

The public GitHub repository lists an MIT license.

  • The README identifies Bitcoin as the current simulation target; Ethereum and Litecoin are mentioned as possible future improvements.
  • Proof-of-work is disabled to allow multiple peers to run without its CPU-heavy workload.
  • The documented setup requires Python 3, pip3, Docker, make and R, and simulations can use substantial host resources.

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

Install Simcoin and run the documented demo

Set up the project, build its Docker image and run its demo to produce simulation results and a PDF report.

Before you start

  • Python 3
  • pip3
  • Docker
  • make
  • R

Steps

  1. Clone https://github.com/simonmulser/simcoin.git and change into the simcoin directory.

  2. Run the command below; the README notes that additional dependencies may be needed depending on the operating system.

    Documented command
    make install
  3. Run the command below to build the Docker image.

    Documented command
    make build-image
  4. Run the command below.

    Documented command
    make demo

Expected outcome

Results are available under `data/last_run`, with the generated report at `data/last_run/postprocessing/report.pdf`.

Guide limitations

  • The documented simulation currently targets Bitcoin.
  • The project advises monitoring host RAM, CPU, disk and network use during a simulation.
Evidence and transparency

Sources & review

Source record details
Source availability
Active
Sources checked
15 October 2026
Original website title
sbaresearch/simcoin · Official homepage title · retained in its source language