> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.galactica.com/galactica-developer-documentation/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.galactica.com/galactica-developer-documentation/validator-guide/installation.md).

# Installation

Welcome to the `galacticad` cli installation guide!

This step-by-step tutorial will guide you through installing the `galacticad` binary on your server, enabling you to participate in the testnet as either a Full Node or Validator.

## Preparing for Installation

Before installing `galacticad`, ensure your system is ready by:

1. Updating your system and installing essential build tools.
2. Installing the Go programming language.
3. Downloading and setting up the `galacticad` binaries.

> ⚠️ **WARNING:** Make sure your server **timezone configuration is UTC**. Having a different timezone configuration may cause a `LastResultsHash` mismatch error. This will take down your node!

### Essential Build Tools

First, make sure your system has the necessary tools for the build process:

* **For Ubuntu/Debian users:**

```sh
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install -y make gcc git build-essential curl tar jq
```

* **For RHEL/Centos/Rocky users:**

```sh
sudo yum update
sudo yum groupinstall 'Development Tools'
sudo yum install -y curl jq
```

It's crucial to have `curl`, `tar`, `git`, and `jq` installed for the upcoming steps.

### Installing Go

`galacticad` requires Go version 1.21 or later. For detailed installation instructions across different operating systems, refer to [the official Go documentation](https://go.dev/doc/install).

```sh
sudo rm -rf /usr/local/go
curl -sL https://go.dev/dl/go1.21.9.linux-amd64.tar.gz | sudo tar -x -z -C ~/
echo export PATH=\$PATH:\$HOME/go/bin >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc
```

This command installs Go in your home directory, but you're free to choose another location.

### Installing `galacticad`

Now, let's proceed to install `galacticad`:

```sh
git clone https://github.com/Galactica-corp/galactica.git
cd galactica
make install
```

The binary is installed to `$GOPATH/bin` by default. To change the installation path, use the `BINDIR` variable:

```sh
BINDIR=/usr/local/bin make install
```

Confirm the installation was successful:

```sh
galacticad version --long
```

You should see output detailing the build dependencies, SDK version, and more.

### Running `galacticad` as a service

To add galacticad validator to linux systemd-units to autostart service with command below:

```sh
export GALACTICA_HOME=$(realpath ~/.galactica)
export CHAIN_ID=[Target Chain ID]

echo > /etc/systemd/system/galactica.service <<EOF
[Unit]
Description=Galactica Network Node
After=network-online.target
[Service]
  WorkingDirectory=$GALACTICA_HOME
  ExecStart=$(which galacticad) start --chain-id=$CHAIN_ID --home=$GALACTICA_HOME
  Type=simple
## uncomment if you want to run as a specific user and group
#   User=galactica
#   Group=galactica
  Restart=always
[Install]
  WantedBy=network.target
EOF
systemctl daemon-reload
systemctl enable --now galactica.service
systemctl status galactica.service
```

Replace `[Target Chain ID]` with the chain ID you want to run the node on.

## Next Steps

Security guidelines and best practices are essential for maintaining a secure node. Please refer to the [Security Guide](/galactica-developer-documentation/validator-guide/security.md) for more information.

Congratulations! You've successfully installed the `galacticad` binary and are ready to [become a validator](/galactica-developer-documentation/validator-guide/become-validator.md). Explore the possibilities as a node operator in the Galactica Network and contribute to its growth and security.