Validator Guide (CLI)

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In the world of blockchain, becoming a validator is a critical step for those looking to actively participate in network security and consensus. On the OKT Chain (OKTC), validators play a central role in maintaining the Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism by producing blocks and securing the network. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of how to manage your validator node using command-line interface (CLI) tools—covering creation, updates, commission adjustments, and decommissioning.

Whether you're an experienced node operator or new to staking infrastructure, this guide ensures you have the technical foundation to operate effectively on OKTC.

Understanding the Validator Rotation Mechanism

OKTC operates on a dynamic validator rotation system designed to maintain network efficiency and decentralization. At regular intervals—known as cycles—the network re-evaluates which nodes will be responsible for block production.

Each cycle consists of 252 blocks, with the election for the next cycle's validator set occurring at block 251. The change takes effect at the beginning of the following cycle. Only the top 21 validators with the highest amount of staked OKT are selected to produce blocks in the upcoming cycle. Validators outside this top tier are automatically removed from the active set.

👉 Learn how to position your node in the top 21 with strategic staking insights.

Crucially, only whole numbers of OKT are considered during ranking calculations—the decimal portion of staked amounts is not included in comparisons. This means precision in delegation and self-staking strategies can impact competitiveness during rotations.

This mechanism incentivizes validators to attract more delegations, maintain high uptime, and offer competitive commission rates to stay within the active set.

Core CLI Commands for Validator Management

Managing a validator on OKTC is done through a series of CLI commands that allow operators full control over their node’s configuration and lifecycle. Below are the essential operations every validator should know.

Creating a Validator Node

To become part of the block-producing network, you must first create a validator using the create-validator command. This upgrades your regular node into a validator and registers it on-chain.

Key parameters include:

Example:

exchaind tx staking create-validator \
  --pubkey="tendermint-public-key" \
  --moniker="my-validator" \
  --identity="keybase-id" \
  --website="https://myvalidator.com" \
  --details="Reliable, secure, and transparent validator operation" \
  --from=operator-address \
  --gas-price=0.00000001okt

Ensure consistency if you've used a custom --home directory when starting your node.

Updating Validator Information

Validators can update their public profile at any time using the edit-validator command. This helps maintain transparency and trust with delegators.

You can modify:

Command example:

exchaind tx staking edit-validator \
  --moniker="updated-name" \
  --website="https://newsite.com" \
  --details="Now supporting enhanced monitoring and backup nodes" \
  --from=operator-address \
  --gas-price=0.00000001okt

Regular updates signal active management and professionalism—important factors for attracting stake.

Adjusting Commission Rate

The edit-validator-commission-rate command allows you to adjust the percentage of staking rewards you retain as income. This directly impacts how much reward is passed on to delegators.

Important notes:

Example:

exchaind tx staking edit-validator-commission-rate \
  --commission-rate=0.15 \
  --from=operator-address \
  --gas-price=0.00000001okt

👉 Optimize your commission strategy to maximize delegation inflow.

Setting a fair commission rate improves competitiveness and encourages long-term delegation.

Decommissioning a Validator

If you wish to exit the network, use the destroy-validator command to deregister your node and begin unbonding your minimum self-delegation.

Note:
After initiating this process, it takes 14 days for your OKT tokens to become fully unlocked and transferable. This unbonding period enhances network security by preventing sudden validator withdrawals.

Expanding Functionality: Additional CLI Tools

Beyond core validator management, OKTC offers extended CLI commands for deeper interaction with staking and distribution modules. These include:

These tools empower both validators and delegators to monitor performance, optimize returns, and ensure smooth operations.

For advanced use cases like automated reward collection or multi-node setups, exploring these commands is highly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How often does the validator set rotate on OKTC?
A: The validator set rotates every 252 blocks, approximately every few hours depending on block time. The new set is elected at block 251 of each cycle.

Q: What happens if my validator falls out of the top 21?
A: You lose block-producing rights and associated rewards until you re-enter the top 21 through increased staking or others dropping out.

Q: Can I change my commission rate frequently?
A: No. The protocol limits commission rate changes to once every 24 hours to prevent manipulation and ensure stability for delegators.

Q: Is there a minimum self-delegation requirement?
A: Yes. Validators must maintain a minimum self-delegation amount; failing to do so may result in forced unbonding.

Q: How long does it take to withdraw staked OKT after unstaking?
A: It takes 14 days for staked OKT to fully unbond and become available for transfer.

Q: Can I redelegate without waiting?
A: Yes. Unlike unstaking, redelegation allows you to shift stake from one validator to another immediately, without a waiting period.

Final Thoughts

Operating a validator on OKTC requires technical diligence, strategic planning, and consistent engagement. By mastering the CLI tools outlined here—from creating and updating nodes to managing commissions and exiting gracefully—you position yourself for long-term success in the network’s decentralized ecosystem.

With strong performance, transparent communication, and competitive reward distribution, validators can build trust and grow their stake over time.

👉 Get started with secure, high-performance node operations today.