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Getting Started with Dogecoin Core: A Comprehensive Guide

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Dogecoin Core (DOGE, Ð) is the official software for running a full Dogecoin node, enabling you to participate in the network, manage wallets, and execute transactions. This guide walks you through the essentials after installation, including node setup, JSON-RPC API usage, wallet management, and advanced configurations.

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Table of Contents

  1. Starting a Dogecoin Node
  2. Introduction to the JSON-RPC API
  3. Creating a Wallet
  4. Verifying Your Balance
  5. Sending Transactions
  6. Inspecting Blocks and Transactions
  7. Node Configuration
  8. Mainnet, Testnet, and Regtest
  9. Data Directory
  10. RPC Credentials
  11. Ports
  12. Memory Optimization
  13. Troubleshooting

Starting a Dogecoin Node

To begin, launch your Dogecoin node using either the headless server (dogecoind) or the graphical interface (dogecoin-qt):

Headless Server

bash
shibetoshi:~$ dogecoind -daemon

Graphical Interface

bash
shibetoshi:~$ dogecoin-qt

Key Notes:
– Logs are saved in debug.log within the data directory.
– Synchronizing the blockchain may take several hours.
– For GUI RPC access, enable -server or use Help > Debug window > Console.

Introduction to the JSON-RPC API

Dogecoin Core’s JSON-RPC API allows programmatic interaction with the blockchain. Use the dogecoin-cli tool for command-line access:

“`bash

List all commands

shibetoshi:~$ dogecoin-cli help

Command-specific help

shibetoshi:~$ dogecoin-cli help COMMAND
“`

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Creating a Wallet

Generate and manage addresses:

“`bash

List addresses

shibetoshi:~$ dogecoin-cli getaddressesbyaccount “”

New address

shibetoshi:~$ dogecoin-cli getnewaddress

Backup wallet

shibetoshi:~$ dogecoin-cli backupwallet /path/to/backup
“`

Tip: Dogecoin addresses start with D. Avoid reuse for privacy.

Verifying Your Balance

Check balances with confirmations:

bash
shibetoshi:~$ dogecoin-cli getbalance "*" 5

Sending Transactions

Simplified Method

bash
shibetoshi:~$ dogecoin-cli sendtoaddress "DESTINATION_ADDRESS" AMOUNT

Manual Transaction Flow

  1. List UTXOs:
    bash
    shibetoshi:~$ dogecoin-cli listunspent 1 9999999 '["ADDRESS"]'
  2. Create Transaction:
    bash
    shibetoshi:~$ dogecoin-cli createrawtransaction "[UTXOs]" '{"ADDRESS":AMOUNT}'
  3. Sign Transaction:
    bash
    shibetoshi:~$ dogecoin-cli signrawtransaction "HEX_DATA"
  4. Broadcast:
    bash
    shibetoshi:~$ dogecoin-cli sendrawtransaction "SIGNED_HEX"

Inspecting Blocks and Transactions

Enable -txindex to query arbitrary transactions:

“`bash

Block hash

shibetoshi:~$ dogecoin-cli getblockhash HEIGHT

Block data

shibetoshi:~$ dogecoin-cli getblock “HASH”

Transaction details

shibetoshi:~$ dogecoin-cli getrawtransaction “TXID” 1
“`

Node Configuration

Customize your node via command arguments or dogecoin.conf:

Example dogecoin.conf

ini
daemon=1
server=1
paytxfee=0.01
maxconnections=150

Network Modes

  • Mainnet: Real transactions (default).
  • Testnet: Testing with peers (-testnet).
  • Regtest: Local testing (-regtest).

Data Directory

Platform Path
Linux $HOME/.dogecoin
macOS $HOME/Library/Application Support/Dogecoin
Windows %APPDATA%\Dogecoin

Ports

Network P2P Port RPC Port
Mainnet 22556 22555
Testnet 44556 44555

Troubleshooting

  • Logs: debug.log or -printtoconsole.
  • Debugging: -debug=all for verbose logs.

FAQs

How long does blockchain synchronization take?

Initial sync may take 24+ hours depending on network speed and hardware.

Can I recover a lost wallet?

Only if you have a backup of wallet.dat or the private keys.

What’s the difference between mainnet and testnet?

Testnet uses fake DOGE for safe experimentation.

Why is my transaction unconfirmed?

Miners must include it in a block. Fees and network congestion affect confirmation time.

How do I reduce memory usage?

Use -dbcache and -maxmempool settings (see memory guide).

By following this guide, you’ll master Dogecoin Core’s key functionalities—from node operation to advanced transactions. Happy mining! 🚀

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