How to manage localnet nodes and validators
Add nodes, control validation, and inspect election membership on a localnet
Use additional localnet nodes to test synchronization, validator participation, and consensus behavior.
Removing a node deletes its localnet state. Removing an elected validator can disrupt consensus. Save a snapshot before changing topology, and wait for elected duties to end before removal.
Prerequisites
- A running localnet.
- Docker memory and disk allocations sufficient for the additional nodes, as described in the localnet requirements.
Manage participation
- Open Network → Nodes and select Add node.
- Enter a name and choose whether the new node participates as a validator. Confirm creation.
- Inspect synchronization and readiness before relying on the node.
- Use the node's validation controls to enter or leave validation. Inspect Network → Validators for current and next elected sets.
Node start/stop controls preserve its state. Removing an additional node deletes its state. The genesis validator cannot be removed through these controls.
acton localnet node dev add validator-b --validator
acton localnet status dev --jsonWithout --validator, the added node is a full node that does not participate in elections. Replace <NODE_ID> with the ID from the result or status. Enable or disable future participation:
acton localnet node dev enter-validation '<NODE_ID>'
acton localnet node dev leave-validation '<NODE_ID>'After the node leaves both the current and next elected sets, remove it:
acton localnet node dev remove '<NODE_ID>' --yesReduce synchronization time
For an established network, select Copy blockchain data in the Add node dialog or pass --copy-state:
acton localnet node dev add validator-b --validator --copy-stateThe network stops while Acton copies genesis blockchain data, then restarts before the new node joins. The new node uses independent keys and synchronizes the remaining blocks. Copy time and additional disk usage depend on database size.
Without this option, the new node synchronizes over the network. Existing nodes keep running.
Verify election membership
Entering validation enables election participation; it does not immediately elect the node. Leaving validation still requires serving its existing elected duties. Check the current and next sets before removal.
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