Set Up Docker Validator
Run a self-hosted Docker validator to perform network upgrades on your L1.
Why Docker?
BuilderHub hosted nodes are convenient, but they don't allow direct access to configuration files. To perform network upgrades (like disabling/enabling precompiles), you need to:
- Edit the
upgrade.jsonfile in the node's config directory - Restart the node to apply changes
This requires running your own validator with full access to the filesystem.
Important: Your Docker validator will become the primary node for this exercise. Make sure you have Docker installed and running on your machine.
Prerequisites
Before starting, ensure you have:
- Docker installed and running
- Your Blockchain ID from the L1 you created earlier
- Your Subnet ID from the L1 you created earlier
Instructions
Step 1: Launch Docker Validator
Use the tool below to run a self-hosted AvalancheGo node in Docker:
L1 Node Setup with Docker
Configure Node Settings
Choose your node type and configure settings. The configuration preview updates in real-time.
Minimum time between blocks. Lower values = faster blocks but more network load.
Removes old state data to reduce disk usage. Storage savings depend on your L1's transaction volume. Recommended for validators and pruned RPC nodes.
Bootstrap from a recent state snapshot instead of replaying all blocks from genesis. Recommended for faster initial sync.
Enables administrative APIs. Only enable if needed and secured.
Configuration Preview
Select L1
Enter the Avalanche Subnet ID of the L1 you want to run a node for
The tool will generate the Docker command with the correct configuration for your L1.
Step 2: Verify the Node is Running
Check that your container is running:
docker psYou should see a container running AvalancheGo.
Step 3: Verify Bootstrap Status
Open a shell inside your container:
docker exec -it <YOUR_CONTAINER_NAME_OR_ID> shThen check if your chain is bootstrapped:
curl -X POST --data '{
"jsonrpc":"2.0",
"id":1,
"method":"info.isBootstrapped",
"params": {
"chain":"YOUR_BLOCKCHAIN_ID"
}
}' -H 'content-type:application/json;' 127.0.0.1:9650/ext/infoReplace YOUR_BLOCKCHAIN_ID with your L1's blockchain ID. You should see:
{"jsonrpc":"2.0","result":{"isBootstrapped":true},"id":1}Step 4: Connect Core Wallet
Add your L1's RPC to Core Wallet:
- RPC URL:
http://localhost:9650/ext/bc/YOUR_BLOCKCHAIN_ID/rpc - Chain ID: Your L1's chain ID
Verify you can see your balance and send transactions.
Expected Output
You should have:
- A running Docker container with AvalancheGo
- Your L1 chain bootstrapped and producing blocks
- Core Wallet connected to your local node
What You Can Now Do
With your own Docker validator, you can:
- Access the node's config directory at
~/.avalanchego/configs/chains/<BLOCKCHAIN_ID>/ - Create and modify
upgrade.jsonfiles - Restart the node to apply network upgrades
Next Steps
Now that your Docker validator is running, you'll learn the rules for creating network upgrades.
Is this guide helpful?
