Use a snapshot of the chain_data to speed up syncing

[MarcioMacedoBA]

Suggestion:

• save a snapshot of the current chain_data of the mainnet and upload it to the server (that can be done manually, at first);
• speed up the syncing of the mainnet for new users through the download of the aforementioned snapshot (that must be done automatically by the server);

That feature seems to be already implemented for v2 with a snapshot that dates back to April, 2021. It would be desirable to make this feature available for v3 too.

[johanneshahn]

new function for Import chain snapshot and Export chain snapshot can be integrated into node, without rewrite the complete header/body sync process. The sharing of this chain snapshot can be then done by users directly or like on 51pool.online as a daily snapshot of chain folder.

This can be added as cli function and tui.

what you think @MarcioMacedoBA ?

[MarcioMacedoBA]

Hi @johanneshahn!

Sorry for the late reply. That is really a good idea!

[FelipeMuylaert]

A CDN was used to make the file compacted and available worldwide, the snapshot is automatically and hourly generated. To those interested in using this feature following are detailed steps on how to use this, the file is available at (https://epiccash.s3.sa-east-1.amazonaws.com/mainnet.zip),

Step by step of the server installation with a CDN snapshot:

-Download the .zip with the chain snapshot from the link above;
-Install the server as per usual instructions;
-Start the server, let it run 1-2 minutes, and stop it;
-Go to .epic/main and clear all the contents;
-Unzip the snapshot directly inside on the main folder;
-Start the server and wait for the sync to finish;
-Continue the other steps as usual;

[johanneshahn]

A CDN was used to make the file compacted and available worldwide, the snapshot is automatically and hourly generated. To those interested in using this feature following are detailed steps on how to use this, the file is available at (https://epiccash.s3.sa-east-1.amazonaws.com/mainnet.zip),

Step by step of the server installation with a CDN snapshot:

-Download the .zip with the chain snapshot from the link above; -Install the server as per usual instructions; -Start the server, let it run 1-2 minutes, and stop it; -Go to .epic/main and clear all the contents; -Unzip the snapshot directly inside on the main folder; -Start the server and wait for the sync to finish; -Continue the other steps as usual;

-Go to .epic/main and clear all the contents; ... i guess it should be .epic/main/chain_data/ ... or else you delete all server config or wallet data

[who-biz]

With our new skip_pow_validation work happening in https://github.com/who-biz/epic/tree/sync-research, I do not think this is necessary.

If this is still a desired feature, please let me know. Leaving open until we finish the sync speedup work.