Guide · Open source
How to use Dogecoin Core: clone, run a node and use JSON-RPC
Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data
Dogecoin Core is the reference software for the Dogecoin cryptocurrency. It lets you run a node that takes part in the Dogecoin blockchain network, and it is adapted from Bitcoin Core. This guide explains what the software is for, how to get the source, which ports it uses, and how to explore its JSON-RPC interface.
Dogecoin Coredogecoin/dogecoin · ★ 15.2k · MIT Install options & downloads Quick start
- 1Clone the repository. Run git clone on the Dogecoin Core repository to get the source code onto your machine.
- 2Pick a tagged version. Check out a tagged release instead of master, since the README says master is unstable and asks for tagged versions before compiling production binaries.
- 3Read the installation guide. Follow INSTALL.md and doc/getting-started.md for build and setup instructions.
- 4Review the network ports. Note the default P2P port 22556 and RPC port 22555 for mainnet, and keep RPC ports off the public internet.
- 5Explore commands with dogecoin-cli. Run dogecoin-cli help to browse the JSON-RPC commands and dogecoin-cli help <command> for details.
What Dogecoin Core is and who it is for
Dogecoin is a community-driven cryptocurrency inspired by a Shiba Inu meme. Dogecoin Core allows anyone to operate a node in the Dogecoin blockchain networks and uses the Scrypt hashing method for Proof of Work.
This software suits people who want to run their own node rather than rely on a third party, developers building tools that talk to Dogecoin through its JSON-RPC API, and contributors interested in open cryptocurrency software. The README does not describe a simple consumer wallet experience, so casual buyers and spenders of DOGE will likely want a different tool.
Get the source code
The README's install instruction is to clone the repository. Before compiling production binaries, check out a tagged version, because the README warns that the master branch became unstable starting August 2024.
- Clone the repository with the command below.
- Check out a tagged version before building production binaries.
- Read the installation guide (INSTALL.md) and the getting started tutorial (doc/getting-started.md) for build steps.
git clone https://github.com/dogecoin/dogecoinKnow the default ports
Dogecoin Core uses port 22556 by default for peer-to-peer communication, which synchronizes the mainnet blockchain and keeps your node informed of new transactions and blocks. A JSON-RPC port can also be opened, and it defaults to 22555 for mainnet nodes.
The README strongly recommends not exposing RPC ports to the public internet.
- Mainnet: P2P 22556, RPC 22555
- Testnet: P2P 44556, RPC 44555
- Regtest: P2P 18444, RPC 18332
Explore the JSON-RPC API with dogecoin-cli
The JSON-RPC API is self-documenting. Use dogecoin-cli help to list commands, and dogecoin-cli help <command> to see details for a specific command.
dogecoin-cli help
dogecoin-cli help <command>Understand the development model before contributing
Development is open and publicly visible. Version numbers follow major.minor.patch semantics. The master branch holds unstable code under development, and pull requests should be submitted against master. Maintenance branches hold stable code for previous releases still under active maintenance, and archive branches hold immutable old versions.
Bugs can be reported through the issue system, and the contribution guide (CONTRIBUTING.md) explains how to take part. Dogecoin Core is released under the MIT license; see COPYING.
- Use GitHub Projects to follow planned work.
- Use GitHub Discussions to talk about features and the DOGE asset.
- Check the help wanted label for topics seeking contributors.
What people use it for
- Running your own Dogecoin node that takes part in the blockchain network instead of relying on a third party.
- Building developer tools that communicate with Dogecoin through its JSON-RPC API.
- Studying how a Bitcoin-derived cryptocurrency node is structured, since the software is adapted from Bitcoin Core.
- Contributing bug reports, discussions or code to open cryptocurrency software.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dogecoin Core free and open source?
Yes. Dogecoin Core is released under the MIT license, and the repository is written in C++. The COPYING file contains the full license terms.
What do I need to install Dogecoin Core?
The README lists no prerequisites. It points to INSTALL.md and doc/getting-started.md for installation details, so read those guides before building.
Is Dogecoin Core a wallet for buying and spending DOGE?
The README does not describe a simple consumer wallet experience. It describes Dogecoin Core as software for running a node on the Dogecoin blockchain network.
Which branch should I use for production?
Do not use master for production. The README says it is unstable and asks users to check out a tagged version before compiling production binaries.
Which ports does Dogecoin Core use?
By default it uses port 22556 for peer-to-peer traffic and port 22555 for JSON-RPC on mainnet. The README strongly recommends not exposing RPC ports to the public internet.
How does Dogecoin Core compare to Bitcoin Core or Litecoin Core?
Dogecoin Core is adapted from Bitcoin Core and other cryptocurrencies, and Bitcoin Core and Litecoin Core are listed as comparable projects. This guide does not compare features or performance between them.
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Our verdict
Dogecoin Core suits people who want to run their own Dogecoin node, developers integrating with its JSON-RPC API, and contributors interested in Bitcoin-derived node software. It is not a good choice for casual buying or spending of DOGE, or for anyone who wants a guaranteed one-click setup or a stable production build from master.
Install options & downloads