Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
Before running the background daemon, you need to consider changing the data
directory as the database files can take up many gigabytes of space. Mount a new
storage place and always start Bitcoind with the following line:
bitcoind -datadir /mnt/HDD/bitcoin -daemon
After a few minutes, you can type in the following basic commands. You will need
to wait until the entire block chain data is downloaded before you can do anything
useful. During this time, the Pi might become less responsive, use a lot of bandwidth,
and create a large amount of data in the data directory. This can take up to 12 hours.
bitcoind getinfo
bitcoind getblockcount
If you already have most of the block chain data downloaded on another
computer, you can just copy all the data to the Pi. You can even have
the same wallet and addresses in both locations. It is not recommended
though, as that means it's twice as easy for hackers to get your wallet.
Always encrypt your wallet with a very strong password and keep the
password and wallet backup in a safe, offline place—like CDs or USB
drives. If you lose the password, you lose access to the wallet, forever.
Bitcoin wallet
You need to generate addresses where other people can send you funds.
Theoretically, you can generate an unlimited number of addresses, but practically
managing all those addresses would become difficult. Bitcoin, by default, allows you
to have a hundred addresses. You always get a default wallet address, which counts
as the first address, and this address will receive network fees if you process any
transactions for the first time.
Cryptocurrency transactions cannot be reversed. Sending coins to the
incorrect address means your coins will be lost forever. On the other
hand, it also protects you if you are receiving coins from somebody else,
as they cannot reverse the transaction.
These addresses are globally unique, and can never be generated by anybody else
in the universe or beyond it. It can get stolen by hackers or viruses, though. Imagine
losing your wallet in real life. Unless a kind person returns it to you, the contents of
that wallet will be lost forever.
