Checklist to start hacking on a Substrate node

checklist.md

Running a Substrate-based blockchain node

• Prerequisite reading
  • Start a private network tutorial - just read the below sections (there's no need to read the whole thing)
    • Start the blockchain using predefined accounts
      • I have read and run node locally
      • I understand the command-line options (particularly --node-key, --bootnodes and the different ports used)
    • Create a custom chain specification
      • I understand the process of generating chain specs
    • Launch the private network
      • I understand the process of launching a private (solo) network
  • subkey
    • I understand the concept of generating keys
    • I understand the concept of inspecting keys and
      • inspecting a private key under different schemes result in different public keys
      • inspecting a private key under different network result in different SS58 address (hex-encoded public address is the same)?
    • I understand the concept of HD derivation and password protection of keys
    • I understand how to generate node keys
    • I understand what the well-known keys are
  • Finally here's a reference Compose file for Ajuna nodes

Troubleshooting

• Validators are not producing / finalising blocks
  • Check correct keys are inserted for corresponding validators (as described in chain spec)
  • Make sure only one pair of keys are inserted for each validator (validators will freeze as they don't know which keys to use)
• Peer discovery isn't working
  • Check bootnode URL is correct
    • Make sure the bootnode has node key set
    • Make sure to use the bootnode's peer ID
    • Check the IP