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Ethnode

ethnode is an open-source JavaScript command-line tool that starts a local, single-node Ethereum development network using Geth or OpenEthereum. It configures the client with a development consensus engine, provides unlocked pre-funded accounts and RPC endpoints, and supports persistent data directories, address allocation, and running a command before the node exits.

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Independent OpenViST project profile, based on linked sources.

Ethnode — 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 ethnode when development or testing needs a local Ethereum node, test accounts and RPC access, or when a command should run against a temporary node and then exit.

Who it is for

  • Smart-contract developers who need a local Ethereum network for testing.
  • Application developers who need test accounts, RPC access or local Ether allocations.
  • Teams using a command-line test workflow in pre-commit or CI stages.

Documented uses

  • Start a local Ethereum development network without manually configuring the client.
  • Test contracts or applications against unlocked, pre-funded accounts and RPC endpoints.
  • Persist local chain data in a chosen working directory.
  • Allocate 100 ETH to specified addresses for local development.
  • Run a test command against a local node and exit afterward.
Before you choose

Requirements & limits

The repository identifies the project as open source under the MPL-2.0 license. The README documents installation through npm or use through Docker.

  • The default client is Geth; OpenEthereum can be selected with ethnode openethereum.
  • A run uses a temporary data directory unless a work directory is specified.
  • The node provides ten unlocked accounts with 100 ETH each; the allocation option can direct 100 ETH to specified addresses.
  • The README describes instant transaction processing through the configured Clique or InstantSeal development consensus engine.
  • RPC endpoints are enabled, and the README states that CORS is allowed from any domain.

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

Start ethnode with persistent local data

Run a local development node and retain its data in a named working directory.

Before you start

  • Node.js and npm for the documented npm installation route, or Docker for the container route.
  • The ethnode command-line tool.

Steps

  1. Install ethnode globally with the command below, or use the documented Docker image.

    Documented command
    npm install -g ethnode

  2. Start the node with ethnode --workdir=mydata to store its data in the mydata directory.

  3. To select OpenEthereum instead of the default Geth client, use ethnode openethereum --workdir=mydata.

Expected outcome

A local single-node Ethereum development network using the selected client, with data directed to the specified working directory.

Guide limitations

  • Without a specified work directory, ethnode creates a new temporary data directory for each run.
  • The README documents development clients and consensus engines, not a public Ethereum network.
Documentation 1 ↗
Source-based practical guide

Run a test command and exit

Use ethnode to run a test command against a temporary local node, then exit.

Before you start

  • The ethnode command-line tool.
  • A test command available in the project environment; the README gives truffle test as its example.

Steps

  1. Run ethnode --execute="truffle test".

  2. ethnode starts its local development node, runs the supplied command and exits.

Expected outcome

A documented way to run a project test command against a local node, including as a pre-commit or CI workflow stage.

Guide limitations

  • The README's example is specific to truffle test; it does not document setup for other test runners.
  • The default run uses a temporary data directory unless a work directory is specified.
Documentation 1 ↗
Evidence and transparency

Sources & review

Official repository ↗
Source record details
Source availability
Active
Sources checked
15 October 2026
Original website title
vrde/ethnode · Official homepage title · retained in its source language
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