> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://xoxno.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quickstart

> Install mxnode, install a MultiversX node shape, start services, and verify systemd status.

Install `mxnode`, create a MultiversX node shape, start services, and verify that systemd units are running.

## Prerequisites

| Requirement    | Value                                                                              |
| -------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Host           | Linux with systemd                                                                 |
| CLI install    | `curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/XOXNO/mx-node/main/install.sh \| sh` |
| Multikey keys  | `~/VALIDATOR_KEYS/allValidatorsKeys.pem`                                           |
| Validator keys | One `node-{i}.zip` per validator node                                              |
| Observer keys  | None; observers generate throwaway BLS keys                                        |

<Warning>
  Validator and multikey flows use live BLS signing keys. Verify backups, file ownership, and host access before starting services.
</Warning>

## 1. Install The CLI

```bash theme={"system"}
curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/XOXNO/mx-node/main/install.sh | sh
mxnode --version
```

## 2. Place Keys

For a multikey host:

```bash theme={"system"}
mkdir -p ~/VALIDATOR_KEYS
cp /path/to/allValidatorsKeys.pem ~/VALIDATOR_KEYS/
```

For a validator host, place `node-0.zip`, `node-1.zip`, and so on in `~/VALIDATOR_KEYS/`.

## 3. Install A Shape

Choose one:

| Shape                     | Command                                               |
| ------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- |
| Multikey squad            | `mxnode install --role multikey`                      |
| Single validator          | `mxnode install --role validator`                     |
| Observer squad with proxy | `mxnode install --role observer --squad --with-proxy` |
| Multikey backup host      | `mxnode install --role multikey --backup`             |

A multikey install creates four nodes, one per shard.

## 4. Start Services

```bash theme={"system"}
mxnode start --all
mxnode status
```

Use one node when testing a targeted change:

```bash theme={"system"}
mxnode start --node 0
mxnode logs --node 0
```

## Verify

You have a valid quickstart result when:

* `mxnode --version` prints a version.
* `mxnode status` lists the expected nodes.
* Each expected systemd unit is active or syncing.
* Logs do not show key load failures, port collisions, or repeated restarts.

## Common Failure

| Symptom                            | Cause                                                         | Fix                                               |
| ---------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------- |
| Missing key error                  | Key file is not in `~/VALIDATOR_KEYS/` or has the wrong name. | Move the key file and rerun install.              |
| `--role multikey --count` rejected | Multikey shape is fixed at four nodes.                        | Remove `--count`.                                 |
| Unit restarts repeatedly           | Config, port, or binary issue.                                | Run `mxnode logs --node <n>` and `mxnode doctor`. |
| Proxy installed with signing keys  | Public RPC and validator signing share a host.                | Put proxy on observer hosts, not multikey hosts.  |

## Next Steps

* [Install shapes](/mxnode/install-shapes)
* [Lifecycle](/mxnode/lifecycle)
* [Configuration](/mxnode/configuration)
* [Troubleshooting](/mxnode/troubleshooting)