Practical overview
When it fits
Use it for hands-on learning and local experimentation when you want to inspect and run a simple blockchain implementation rather than use a hosted blockchain service.
Who it is for
- Learners following blockchain fundamentals through source code and a running example.
- Developers who want to start a local blockchain prototype using Python, C#, or Docker.
Documented uses
- Install dependencies and run the Python implementation as a server.
- Build a Docker image and start instances on different mapped ports.
- Open and run the C# solution in Visual Studio and control it through HTTP.
Requirements & limits
The source code is public and licensed under MIT. The README lists Python 3.6 or later and pipenv for the Python setup, Docker for the container route, and Visual Studio Community Edition for the C# route.
- The repository offers both Python and C# implementations, but their setup paths differ.
- The Python setup uses pipenv; Docker provides an alternative documented way to run containers.
- The C# program is launched through Visual Studio and controlled over HTTP using the same commands as the Python version.
Check current requirements in the official documentation. Source-based guidance does not mean OpenViST has run or independently tested this project.
Set up and run the Python server
Install the documented Python dependencies and start the blockchain server.
Before you start
- Python 3.6 or later
- pipenv
Steps
Install pipenv with pip.
From the repository, install the requirements with pipenv install.
Start the server with pipenv run python blockchain.py; the README also gives examples for selecting a port.
Expected outcome
The Python blockchain server starts, using the default or specified port.
Guide limitations
- The README does not describe the server's HTTP commands or further application workflows in this setup section.
Build and start Docker instances
Build a local Docker image and run one or more instances using the documented port mappings.
Before you start
- The repository cloned locally
- Docker
Steps
Build the image with docker build -t blockchain .
Start a container with docker run --rm -p 80:5000 blockchain.
To add instances, use different public ports, such as 81, 82, or 83, mapped to container port 5000.
Expected outcome
A container runs the blockchain program, with additional instances mapped to distinct public ports.
Guide limitations
- The instructions describe local container execution and port mapping, not a production deployment.
Sources & review
Source record details
- Source availability
- Active
- Sources checked
- 14 October 2026
- Original website title
- dvf/blockchain · Official homepage title · retained in its source language