Inscribing Messages on Qtum Testnet

A Beginner's Guide to Using qord

Introduction

Welcome to our step-by-step guide on how to inscribe messages on the Qtum blockchain using the qord wallet. Whether you're a seasoned developer or new to blockchain technology, this tutorial will walk you through the process in an easy-to-understand manner.

What is qord?

qord is a specialized wallet for the Qtum blockchain, allowing users to inscribe data directly into satoshis (the smallest units of Qtum, similar to Bitcoin's satoshis). It's based on Bitcoin's ordinals wallet but has been adapted to work seamlessly with Qtum.

Prerequisites

Before we dive in, make sure you have the following tools installed on your computer:

• Git: A version control system for tracking changes in source code during software development.

• Docker: A platform for developing, shipping, and running applications in containers.

• Rustup: A toolchain installer for the Rust programming language.

Having these tools ready will ensure a smooth setup and execution of the tasks ahead.

Quick Start Guide

Step 1: Setting Up Your Environment

Building qord

First, we need to get the qord code and build it:

1. Clone the qord repository: Open your terminal and run:

   git clone <https://github.com/qtumproject/ord.git>

2. Build qord: Change into the cloned directory and build the project:

   cd ord
   cargo build --release

Step 2: Running a Qtum Node on Testnet

qord needs a Qtum node running on the testnet to interact with the blockchain. The easiest way to set this up is by using Docker:

• Start the Qtum node:

  docker run --name qtum_testnet -d -p 3889:3889 qtum/qtum:latest qtumd -testnet -txindex -addrindex=1 -rpcbind=0.0.0.0:3889 -rpcallowip=0.0.0.0/0 -logevents -rpcuser=qtum -rpcpassword=qtum -deprecatedrpc=accounts -printtoconsole
  

Wait until the node synchronizes with the testnet blockchain.

You can verify the syncing status of the Qtum node by looking in the container logs like this: docker logs --tail 10 -f qtum_testnet

Step 3: Configuring qord

Alias qord

Creating an alias for qord makes it easier to run with the correct parameters:

• Set up the alias (replace <path to cloned repo> with the actual path):

  alias qord='<path to cloned repo>/ord/target/release/qord --testnet --bitcoin-rpc-user qtum --bitcoin-rpc-pass qtum --rpc-url 127.0.0.1:3889'
  

Step 4: Using qord

Creating a Wallet

• Generate a new wallet:

  ❯ qord wallet create

  You should see an output of the type:

  {
    "mnemonic": "unknown document skull person few fat exotic salute belt drive ritual beef",
    "passphrase": ""
  }

Generating a Wallet Address

• Create an address to receive QTUM coins:

  ❯ qord wallet receive

  You should see a message containing the newly generated address that will be used to mine the inscription:

  {
    "address": "tq1pka5cz4hmz4elp279hma55eclk396thvp7jnp5yhym0v20t65rymsrd9lmh"
  }

Funding Your Wallet

• Send testnet QTUM coins to the address you generated in the step before, to fund your wallet.

Step 5: Inscribing Your Message

1. Prepare Your Message:

   • Save the message you want to inscribe in a file:

     echo "Hello Qtum testnet ordinal!" > /tmp/hello.txt
     

2. Inscribe the Message:

   • Use qord to inscribe your message onto a satoshi:

     qord wallet inscribe --fee-rate 61601 --file /tmp/hello.txt
     

Step 6: Verifying Your Inscription

• Check Your Inscription: Visit the Qtum testnet ordinal explorer athttp://ordinals.qtum.info to see your inscription.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've successfully inscribed a message on the Qtum testnet using qord. This guide aimed to demystify the process and make blockchain technology more accessible. Feel free to experiment further and explore the possibilities of the Qtum blockchain.