Validator Guide (CLI)

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Proof of Stake (PoS) blockchains rely heavily on validators to maintain network security, process transactions, and produce new blocks. On the OKTC blockchain, validators play a central role in the consensus mechanism by staking OKT tokens and participating in block production. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of how to manage validator operations using the Command Line Interface (CLI), including creating, updating, and decommissioning validators.

Whether you're an experienced node operator or new to decentralized infrastructure, understanding the validator lifecycle is essential for contributing effectively to the network.

How the Validator Rotation Mechanism Works

OKTC uses a dynamic validator rotation system based on a fixed block interval known as a cycle. Each cycle lasts 252 blocks, during which the set of active block-producing validators remains unchanged. However, at the 251st block of every cycle, the system evaluates the current validator standings and prepares the next validator set for the upcoming cycle.

Only the top 21 validators with the highest amount of staked OKT tokens are selected to produce blocks in the next cycle. Validators ranked below 21st are automatically removed from the active set. This ensures that only the most committed and well-supported nodes participate in consensus.

It’s important to note that only whole numbers of OKT are considered during ranking—any decimal portions are truncated when comparing stake amounts. This prevents minor fractional differences from influencing election outcomes.

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This rotation mechanism promotes healthy competition among validators, encourages consistent uptime, and strengthens decentralization by allowing new participants to enter the top tier as they gain support.

Essential CLI Commands for Validator Management

The OKTC CLI (exchaind) provides a suite of commands that allow operators to manage their validator nodes directly from the terminal. These tools are crucial for setting up, maintaining, and adjusting validator configurations over time.

Below are the core CLI commands every validator should know:

Create a Validator

To become an active participant in block production, you must first create a validator by upgrading your node. This process registers your node on-chain and defines its public identity.

Use the following parameters when creating your validator:

Example command:

exchaind tx staking create-validator [flags]

Ensure your node is fully synced and has sufficient OKT balance before submitting this transaction.

Update a Validator

Validators can update their public metadata at any time to reflect changes in operation or branding. This includes modifying:

Updating this information helps build trust with delegators who rely on transparency when choosing where to stake their tokens.

Command example:

exchaind tx staking edit-validator [flags]

Always keep your details current—especially if there are changes in infrastructure or contact methods.

Update Validator Commission Rate

The commission rate determines how much of the staking reward the validator keeps before distributing the remainder to delegators. It's expressed as a decimal between 0 and 1:

⚠️ Important: The commission rate can only be adjusted once every 24 hours, so plan changes carefully.

Use this command to update:

exchaind tx staking edit-validator-commission-rate --commission-rate 0.15 --from mywallet --gas-price 0.00000001okt

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Destroy a Validator

If you wish to permanently exit the network, you can destroy (deregister) your validator. This removes your node from the active set and begins the unbonding process for your self-delegated stake.

Note: Once initiated, it takes 14 days for your OKT tokens to fully unlock and become transferable again. During this unbonding period, no rewards are earned.

This action should be taken with caution—once destroyed, rejoining requires restarting the entire setup process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What happens if my validator drops out of the top 21?
A: If your validator falls below rank 21 during rotation, it will stop producing blocks and no longer earn staking rewards until it regains sufficient stake to re-enter the top tier.

Q: Can I re-delegate my stake while my validator is being destroyed?
A: No. Once destruction begins, all delegations start unbonding. You cannot re-delegate during the 14-day unbonding period.

Q: How often does the validator set rotate?
A: Every 252 blocks (~every few minutes depending on network speed). The new set is elected at block 251 of each cycle and becomes active at the start of the next.

Q: Is there a minimum self-delegation requirement?
A: Yes, validators must maintain a minimum self-delegated stake to remain active. Falling below this threshold may result in forced removal.

Q: Can I change my commission rate more than once a day?
A: No. The system limits commission rate updates to once every 24 hours to prevent abuse and ensure stability for delegators.

Q: Do I need to run a full node before becoming a validator?
A: Absolutely. Your node must be fully synced with the network and have a valid public IP address to participate in consensus.

Expanding Your Validator Toolkit

Beyond basic management commands, OKTC supports additional CLI functions that enhance control over staking operations. These include:

While these advanced features are not required for initial setup, mastering them allows for more sophisticated delegation models and improved user engagement.

For detailed syntax and usage examples, refer to the official documentation on staking CLI tools.

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Core Keywords:

validator, staking, OKT, CLI, block production, commission rate, rotation mechanism, unbonding period