How to Use 'hsd-cli' for Handshake Blockchain Operations (with examples)

The hsd-cli is an essential command-line tool used to interact with the Handshake blockchain. It facilitates various functionalities through REST commands, aiding in the management and exploration of the Handshake blockchain. Handshake is a decentralized, permissionless naming protocol compatible with the Domain Name System (DNS) that aims to manage the root DNS zone in a decentralized manner. The hsd-cli tool is integral for developers and users who wish to engage with the Handshake blockchain directly from their terminals.

Retrieve Information About the Current Server

Code:

hsd-cli info

Motivation: Using hsd-cli info is fundamental when you need quick access to the current server’s details. It gives vital insights such as the server’s version, protocol version, and block height status, helping assess whether the server is accurately synced with the network.

Explanation:

• info: A command within hsd-cli to extract detailed information about the node server’s current state, making it imperative for diagnosing server status or preparing for network transactions.

Example Output:

{
  "version": "1.0.2",
  "network": "main",
  "startHeight": 564789,
  "synced": true,
  "peerCount": 12,
  "hash": "0000000000000023abc45ef67890123456789abcdef1234567890abcdef123456"
}

Broadcast a Local Transaction

Code:

hsd-cli broadcast transaction_hex

Motivation: Transaction broadcasting is essential for committing any cryptocurrency movement on the blockchain. Using the broadcast command requires that you’ve already created a transaction and are now ready to send it network-wide, allowing miners to pick it up and include it in a block.

Explanation:

• broadcast: This command submits a specified transaction to the Handshake network.
• transaction_hex: A hexadecimal string representing the transaction data to be broadcasted, crucial for anyone attempting to transfer handshake tokens.

Example Output:

{
  "broadcast": true,
  "hash": "b2a5e3f9...c812b"
}

Retrieve a Mempool Snapshot

Code:

hsd-cli mempool

Motivation: Retrieving the mempool’s snapshot provides a list of all current transactions awaiting confirmation. This data can be invaluable for developers analyzing transaction trends and checking the status of unconfirmed transactions.

Explanation:

• mempool: A command to access the current state of the transaction pool, showing everything queued to be added to the blockchain.

Example Output:

{
  "txs": [
    "transaction_hex1",
    "transaction_hex2",
    ...
  ]
}

View a Transaction by Address or Hash

Code:

hsd-cli tx address_or_hash

Motivation: Access to specific transaction details by address or hash is crucial for auditing blockchain activities or confirming transaction legitimacy and status, whether confirming a transaction’s inclusion or debugging transaction details.

Explanation:

• tx: Retrieves detailed information about a specific transaction.
• address_or_hash: Either the address relevant to the transaction or the exact transaction hash, serving as a unique identifier directing to the information.

Example Output:

{
  "hash": "6d35f5d356d...c7",
  "inputs": [...],
  "outputs": [...],
  "size": 225,
  ...
}

View a Coin by Its Hash Index or Address

Code:

hsd-cli coin hash_index_or_address

Motivation: Coin inspection through this command provides further granularity by allowing users to examine a specific coin’s UTXO (Unspent Transaction Output), which aids in wallet balance verifications and other financial analyses.

Explanation:

• coin: A command that allows users to view specific individual coins.
• hash_index_or_address: Refers to either the coin’s unique hash index or a wallet address, which determines the precise data retrieval for transaction analysis.

Example Output:

{
  "address": "hs1qr...",
  "value": 100000000,
  "coinIndex": 0,
  "hash": "7a7f33a...",
  ...
}

View a Block by Height or Hash

Code:

hsd-cli block height_or_hash

Motivation: Providing block data by network height or hash is crucial for network exploration and validation, allowing users to verify block integrity and overall chain health.

Explanation:

• block: Command to retrieve information about a specific block.
• height_or_hash: Denotes the block’s height in the blockchain or its hash, indicating exact location or identity for retrieval.

Example Output:

{
  "hash": "00000000...c8d",
  "height": 567890,
  "transactions": [...],
  ...
}

Reset the Chain to the Specified Block

Code:

hsd-cli reset height_or_hash

Motivation: Performing a chain reset is occasionally necessary for node troubleshooting, especially when dealing with corrupted data that may arise from network forks or improper shutdowns, ensuring the node resyncs correctly with the authenticated state of the blockchain.

Explanation:

• reset: This command rolls back the node’s chain state to the specified block.
• height_or_hash: Provides the exact height or hash of the block where the reset should occur, indicating a rollback point for the database reset.

Example Output:

{
  "reset": true,
  "newHeight": 345678
}

Execute an RPC Command

Code:

hsd-cli rpc command args

Motivation: Executing specific RPC commands through hsd-cli facilitates advanced operations not directly covered by main command functions, accommodating bespoke queries or adjustments tailored to particular operational needs.

Explanation:

• rpc: Executes a custom Remote Procedure Call operation.
• command: The specific command you wish to run on the node.
• args: Optional arguments that modify or specify details for the command, contextualizing the request further.

Example Output:

{
  "result": "custom result based on command and args"
}

Conclusion:

The hsd-cli facilitates comprehensive interaction with the Handshake blockchain, providing precise management and exploration capabilities for developers, miners, and blockchain enthusiasts. Utilizing these commands can greatly enhance your ability to troubleshoot, analyze, and contribute to the Handshake network effectively.