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3. run a validator node

This guide shows how to set up a node, run that node and create your validator.

You will need to use the Networks page to find information like the <chain-id> and <rpc-url> of the network you would like to connect to.

It is recommended to run the node using Cosmovisor, as this is the current best practice to run a validator.

Running your validator​

The first step is to run a node. See the Node Installation and Joining a Network guides for instructions on how to get your node up and running.

Make sure to initialize your node and add your keys.

After your node is running and synced, you can create a validator by staking tokens.

Run a validator post-genesis​

Retrieve the genesis file​

To retrieve the genesis file, install jq (lightweight and flexible command-line JSON processor). Run the below command to retrive the genesis file:

curl -s "<rpc-url>/genesis" | jq '.result.genesis' > ~/.terp/config/genesis.json

This will replace the default genesis file with the one connected to the network you are joining.

After having followed the instructions to join a network and your running node is synced, you can create a validator by executing the create-validator command. Please make sure to create a validator only once the node is fully synced, so that you avoid being slashed.

Now, you can take a look at the following example to create your validator:

terpd tx staking create-validator \ 
--from <my-validator-account> \ 
--amount 1000000uterp \ 
--min-self-delegation 1000000uterp \
--commission-rate 0.01 \ 
--commission-max-rate 0.1 \
--commission-max-change-rate 0.01 \
--pubkey "$(terpd tendermint show-validator)" \
--chain-id <chain-id> \
--gas-adjustment 1.3 \
--gas auto \
--fees 30000uthiol

Next steps​

Great! Now, make sure you monitor your validator Monitoring the validator will help to prevent getting slashed, and ensure higher reliability to your validating operations.