Implementing and interacting with a Stacks node and related software.
Overview
In order to efficiently and reliably query the Stacks blockchain state, running a follower node allows for direct access to the same data as hosted APIs with the added benefit of decentralized control.
Stacks Node API
The Stacks Node API provides both a self-contained Docker image and manual installation instructions for running a Stacks 2.0 blockchain and API instance.
Doing so provides access to a robust API that allows for querying accounts, transactions, smart contracts, and more.
The Stacks Node API can be run on 4 GB memory / 80 GB disk, however it also requires a Bitcoin node to interact with, which have higher disk space requirements.
The Syvita Guild also created the repository below, which contains a quick start script that sets up each component based on their cloned versions using Docker.
A STX holder must qualify for a reward slot by controlling a Stacks wallet with >= 0.02% of the total unlocked Stacks tokens (currently ~110,000 STX, and visible on stacking.club)
A STX holder must broadcast a signed message before the reward cycle begins that:
Locks the associated Stacks tokens for a protocol-specified lockup period (reward cycles are 2,100 Stacks blocks in length, maximum of 12)
Specifies the Bitcoin address to receive the funds
Votes on a Stacks chain tip
The required minimum for a reward slot is dynamic and can increase last minute. It only increases in steps of 10k STX
It is possible that a reward slot receives 0 BTC because Stacks miners did not send any BTC when it was the slot's turn
The more reward slots an address occupies, the closer the payouts will be to the average payout
When the selected reward cycles are complete, the address must sit out for one cycle (a "cooldown period")
The PoX smart contract is the main tool and provides the functions to stack STX.