Does Bitcoin Core automatically perform re-indexing when enabling TXIndex on a synced full node?

When syncing a Bitcoin node with the Bitcoin Core Qt GUI, it is not uncommon for users to experience issues with transaction indexing. In particular, enabling txindex mode can cause issues when using Lightning nodes that rely heavily on this feature.

In this article, we will dive into the details of how Bitcoin Core (BTC-Qt) handles re-indexing in conjunction with txindex and whether it automatically performs this process or if there is a manual step involved.

What is TXIndex?

Before we dive into the specifics of Bitcoin Core and Lightning nodes, let’s quickly discuss what txindex does. In simple terms, txindex enables transaction indexing on the synced node, which allows for features like Lightning node connections that rely heavily on this process.

Bitcoin Core Configuration File: txindex

When syncing a Bitcoin node with the Bitcoin Core Qt GUI, the configuration file (.config/btccore-cli.conf) is used. To enable txindex, users need to add the following line:

txindex = true

This setting tells Bitcoin Core to use transaction indexing.

Full Node Configuration: txindex=

On a synced full node, the reindexing process happens automatically when enabling txindex in the .config/btccore-cli.conf file. However, users need to manually ensure that their Lightning nodes are configured accordingly.

To verify whether Lightning nodes have been reindexed successfully, users can check the node configuration files. For example, for a Lightning node using the bcl client:

bitcoincli -t 

If txindex is enabled and reindexed successfully, you will see output indicating that the transaction indexing was successful.

Manual Step: Reindexing Lightning Nodes

While Bitcoin Core’s automatic reindexing works for synchronized full nodes, users still need to manually ensure that their Lightning nodes are configured correctly. Here’s what you can do:

• Check your Lightning node’s configuration file (usually node.conf or lightning.conf) and verify that txindex is enabled.

• Ensure that the node has enough disk space to perform the reindexing.

After verifying that your Lightning nodes are configured correctly, you should see a successful reindexing process when using them with Bitcoin Core.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Bitcoin Core’s automatic re-indexing of transactions occurs in conjunction with the txindex mode in synchronized full nodes, it is still essential to manually ensure that your Lightning nodes have been properly configured and have sufficient disk space. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your blockchain network runs smoothly and efficiently.

Update

Please note that this article has been updated based on recent changes to Bitcoin Core’s behavior regarding transaction indexing and txindex mode. It is essential to stay informed about the latest developments in the Bitcoin ecosystem for optimal performance and functionality.