Running a full node is one of the most important ways users can participate in a decentralized network. But setting up a new node on the eCash network required downloading and verifying the entire blockchain history which is an intensive and time-consuming process.

With the introduction of the AssumeUTXO feature in Bitcoin ABC version 0.31.5, eCash is making node operation faster and more accessible than ever before. Here’s how it works:

What is AssumeUTXO?

AssumeUTXO is a new performance feature that allows an eCash node to skip full validation of the blockchain history when syncing, by trusting a snapshot in the form of a precomputed hash of the current Unspent Transaction Output (UTXO) set. This snapshot includes all available coins and their associated metadata at a certain block height.

Instead of starting to synchronize from the genesis block, the node assumes the UTXO state is valid at a known point in the chain, syncing headers and blocks from that point forward. The node can still validate the full history retrospectively in the background, ensuring full validation without delaying the user from participating in the network. AssumeUTXO is a capability that was originally developed in Bitcoin Core and is being adopted by eCash to improve node sync times.

Why It Matters

AssumeUTXO offers several key benefits:

• Dramatically faster node setup: New nodes can become operational in minutes, rather than hours or days.
• Improved connectivity on slow networks: AssumeUTXO improves the experience for users on slow or limited internet connections, as long as blocks can be downloaded faster than they’re created.
• Full validation preserved: Background verification ensures long-term security is never compromised.

By integrating AssumeUTXO, eCash continues to enhance usability and user experience.

How to Use AssumeUTXO on eCash

Setting up a node with AssumeUTXO is simple and requires just a few steps:

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Download the UTXO snapshot: Download the latest utxo.dat snapshot file from the official source and save it on your local machine.
• Start the node: Launch your eCash node as usual. Wait a few minutes while it synchronizes the block headers.
• Load the snapshot: Once headers are synced, use the following command in your terminal:

bitcoin-cli loadtxoutset <path to utxo.dat file>

Replace <path to utxo.dat file> with the full path to the downloaded file.

That’s it! Your eCash node will now be synced to the network and can begin operating almost immediately. More info here.

Looking Ahead

AssumeUTXO represents a practical step toward improving node accessibility on the eCash network. Whether you're a developer, enthusiast, or simply interested in running a node, this feature reduces the time and resources needed to get started.

As development continues, eCash will remain focused on making the network more usable and efficient—without compromising on the principles of decentralization and trustless operation.

While AssumeUTXO streamlines node setup by allowing faster synchronization, it is distinct from the “UTXO commitments” item on our roadmap, which addresses different aspects of UTXO management and scalability. Both features complement each other but serve separate purposes within the broader vision for eCash’s future.

💡 Got Questions or feedback?

Join the conversation on our eCash Node Support Telegram group or explore our documentation for more technical details.