How To Become Eth2 Validator On Windows/Linux/Mac

Previously we have read about Ethereum 2.0 Basic Terminology, All About The Validator In Ethereum 2.0 Beacon Chain. This is the next article in the Eth2 Validator Series, and I hope that this guide will help those who are interested in understanding operating system specific requirements in becoming an Eth2 Validator.

Choice 1: Download Command Line App

Step 1: Download  the operating system's deposit command line interface app

Follow this link=>
Github

Step 2: Generating deposit keys with the deposit tool of the Ethereum Foundation

Unzip the file you've just downloaded, use the terminal to move to the directory containing the deposit executable, and run the following command to launch the app.

Case 1: If OS is Linux=>

./deposit new-mnemonic --chain mainnet

Case 2: If OS is Windows=>

deposit.exe new-mnemonic --chain mainnet

Case 3: If OS is Mac=>

./deposit new-mnemonic --chain mainnet

Please check that your mainnet is set as --chain mainnet, otherwise your deposit is invalid. Now follow the instructions in the terminal window for your keys to be generated.

Choice 2: Build from Source

Step 1: Installation of Python 3.7+

Depending on your OS, the python3 installation process can vary.

Follow this link and Download=>
Python

Step 2: Installation of pip3

Case 1: If OS is Linux=>

Using a Linux Package Manager, like apt or yum, to install pip. Please refer to the documents found here=> Link

Case 2: If OS is Windows=>

The latest version of pip with python 3.x.x should have been installed. You can visit the Windows Install Guide or install the pip kit from Chocolatey.

Case 3: If OS is Mac=>

You may also use homebrew to install the pip3 file.

Step 3: Installation of virtualenv

Virtualenv will help you build an isolated deposit cli Python environment.

Follow this link=>virtualenv

Step 4: Installation of deposit-cli tool

Install GitHub's master branch source code and uncompress it.

Run the command below on Git and to download the master branch.

git clone -b master --single-branch https://github.com/ethereum/eth2.0-deposit-cli.git

Creating an venv virtualenv under repository directory=>

Case 1: If OS is Linux=>

virtualenv venv
source venv/bin/activate

Case 2: If OS is Windows=>

virtualenv venv
.\venv\Scripts\activate

Case 3: If OS is Mac=>

virtualenv venv
source venv/bin/activate

Installation of the dependency packages=>

python3 setup.py install
pip3 install -r requirements.txt

Step 5: Generating deposit keys with the deposit tool of the Ethereum Foundation

In the terminal window, type the following lines=>

Case 1: If OS is Linux=>

python3 ./eth2deposit/deposit.py new-mnemonic --chain mainnet

Case 2: If OS is Windows=>

.\eth2deposit\deposit.py new-mnemonic --chain mainnet

Case 3: If OS is Linux=>

python3 ./eth2deposit/deposit.py new-mnemonic --chain mainnet

Please check that your mainnet is set as --chain mainnet, otherwise your deposit is invalid.

Other suggested reading on Ethereum 2.0

• Ethereum 2.0 Basic Terminology
• EtherWorld's Good Read on Blockchain & Cryptocurrency
• Crypto exchanges offering Eth2 staking services
• Minimal Slashing Condition in Ethereum
• How To Become An Eth2 Validator On Teku