Building Ethereum from Source: Defining a Stable Build
The official Ethereum source code repository can be downloaded directly from GitHub. However, building a full blockchain from scratch requires more than just downloading the code. One common problem when trying to build Ethereum from source is “errors” related to pre-release builds.
When you try to run “bitcoind getinfo” on a stable build, you’ll likely see an error message indicating that it’s a pre-release build. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re eager to get your hands on the latest development version of Ethereum. But fear not, as you can define a stable build at certain stages when building Ethereum from source.
Why pre-release builds matter
Pre-release builds serve as a testing ground for Ethereum developers and researchers before a new version of the software is released. These builds typically contain features that will be included in future releases but are not yet fully tested or stabilized. Using pre-release builds can provide valuable insight into how the code works and identify potential issues before they are fixed.
Configuring a stable build
To configure a stable build when building Ethereum from source, follow these steps:
- Download the correct branch: Make sure you download the latest stable version of the Ethereum repository from GitHub. You can check for updates on the [GitHub page](
- Choose the correct configuration: Use the
--config' option to specify a build configuration that is more stable than the default. For example:
- bitcoind –config=stability:mainnet`
This will configure the build to use the mainnet configuration, which is generally considered more stable.
- Set Branch
: Specify the branch you want to use when building Ethereum from source. You can find a list of available branches on GitHub.
Example Build Command
Here is an example command that downloads the latest stable version from the Ethereum repository and configures the mainnet with the “stability” branch:
git clone
cd core-bloc
bitcoind --config=stability:mainnet
Running the Build
Once you have configured the stable build, you can run “bitcoind getinfo” to make sure it is using the correct configuration:
bitcoind getinfo | grep errors
This should display an error message indicating that this is a pre-release test build. To fix this issue, run the command again with the specified stable build.
By following these steps and specifying a stable build when building Ethereum from source, you can ensure that your development environment is accurate and reflects the latest code changes. Always remember to be careful when working with pre-release builds, as they may introduce new risks or security vulnerabilities.