Running the Protocol

This section provides instructions on how to run the protocol locally in different development modes for testing purposes.

The CLI provides an interactive menu that exercises the full protocol flow. It supports three environments:

Standalone (Local)

Runs against a local Midnight environment spun up via Docker containers (Midnight node + proof server). No real funds required.

cd packages/cli
bun run standalone

Preview Network

Runs against the Midnight Preview testnet. Requires a funded wallet (use the Preview faucet).

cd packages/cli
bun run preview-remote

Preprod Network

Runs against the Midnight Preprod testnet. Requires a funded wallet (use the Preprod faucet).

cd packages/cli
bun run preprod-remote

Remote network notes:

• On first launch you will be prompted to create a fresh wallet or restore from a seed phrase.
• The CLI will request unshielded NIGHT tokens and generate dust tokens automatically when needed for shielded transactions.
• A local proof server is started via Docker even in remote mode — allow up to 10 minutes for the proof server to become healthy on first run.
• All logs are written to packages/cli/logs/<mode>/<timestamp>.log.