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Ontology

Ontology is an open-source public blockchain protocol with an official Go implementation for running Ontology nodes and developing software that interacts with or extends the network. The repository contains the main node and CLI application, a transaction-signing RPC server, build instructions, network startup modes and command examples.

Explore the practical guide ↓

Independent OpenViST project profile, based on linked sources.

Ontology — OpenViST project profile in Layer 1.
OpenViST project illustration. See the linked sources for product details.
Understand the project

Practical overview

When it fits

Use Ontology when you need implementation-level access to the Ontology public blockchain, a node-and-CLI setup, or a documented local network mode for development. Choose a stable release for node operation when the master branch's instability is a concern.

Who it is for

  • Blockchain developers working with Go
  • Node operators targeting Ontology MainNet or TestNet
  • Developers testing distributed-ledger applications on a local PrivateNet
  • Teams building tools or protocol customizations under LGPL-3.0

Documented uses

  • Build the Ontology node software from source
  • Run MainNet, TestNet or local PrivateNet nodes
  • Create Go-based tools for the Ontology protocol
  • Develop applications targeting the Ontology blockchain
  • Sign transactions through the included Signature Server
Before you choose

Requirements & limits

The repository is publicly visible and identifies an LGPL-3.0 license. Building from source requires Go 1.17 or later. Docker-based operation is also documented.

  • The implementation is written in Go and requires Go 1.17 or later for source builds.
  • The master branch may be unstable; stable compiled versions are directed to the releases section.
  • The CLI supports MainNet, TestNet and local PrivateNet modes.
  • PrivateNet setup requires generating a wallet file before startup.
  • Docker use is documented through a locally built image and network arguments.

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

Build the Ontology implementation from source

Create the Ontology node and command-line executables from the repository source.

Before you start

  • Go 1.17 or later
  • A cloned copy of https://github.com/ontio/ontology

Steps

  1. Clone the repository with the command below.

    Documented command
    git clone https://github.com/ontio/ontology.git

  2. Change into the repository directory with cd ontology.

  3. Run the command below.

    Documented command
    make all

  4. Use the generated ontology application and tools/sigsvr Signature Server described by the repository.

Expected outcome

The source build produces the primary Ontology node application and CLI, plus the Signature Server executable.

Guide limitations

  • The repository notes that the master branch may be unstable.
  • This recipe documents building only; it does not establish that the resulting programs run successfully in a particular environment.
Documentation 1 ↗
Source-based practical guide

Prepare a local Ontology PrivateNet

Create the wallet file and start a local PrivateNet using the Ontology CLI.

Before you start

  • A built Ontology executable
  • A local computer with the executable available

Steps

  1. Generate a wallet file named wallet.dat with ./ontology account add -d.

  2. Start the local network with ./ontology --testmode.

  3. Keep the generated wallet file alongside the Ontology executable as shown in the repository directory example.

Expected outcome

The documented setup creates the wallet file required before starting a local PrivateNet and provides the command to start it.

Guide limitations

  • The instructions do not document further PrivateNet configuration or application deployment.
  • The commands shown use the Linux executable; the repository lists separate macOS and Windows forms.
Documentation 1 ↗
Evidence and transparency

Sources & review

Official repository ↗
Source record details
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Sources checked
2 October 2026
Original website title
ontio/ontology · Official homepage title · retained in its source language
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