Ethereum: Where is the debug.log file in Bitcoin’s source code?
As an aspiring Ethereum developer on a 64bit Ubuntu 17.04 system, you’re likely following a tutorial to create your own altcoin. However, you’ve noticed that after compiling the Bitcoin source code (daemon or Qt), it displays an error message indicating the presence of a debug.log file.
In this article, we’ll delve into the location of the debug.log file within the Bitcoin source code, providing insight into its significance and how to access it.
The Problem: Where is debug.log?
When you compile the Bitcoin source code on your 64bit Ubuntu system, a new executable file (typically named bitcoin-qt or bitcoin-daemon) is created. At first glance, this might seem like an unusual file name for a Bitcoin-related program. However, it’s essential to understand that these executables contain debug information.
The Solution: Accessing the Debug Log
To access the debug.log file, you need to locate the corresponding executable files in your system’s /usr/local/bin directory (or similar paths on your system). Once found, open one of these executables and look for a line that starts with - debug -log or --debug= -log. This indicates that this particular executable is logging debug information.
For example:
- Open the
bitcoin-daemonexecutable:sudo ./bitcoin-daemon
- Look for a line starting with
- debug -log:...- debug -log
Alternatively, you can use your system’s file explorer to navigate to /usr/local/bin/bitcoin-qt and search for the debug.log file. If it exists, you should be able to find it by searching for similar file names.
Debugging Tips
To improve your debugging experience when working with Bitcoin-related programs:
- Check the compiler flags
: Look at the command line used to compile Bitcoin source code and verify that the
-debug -logflag is included.
- Use the
--verboseflag: Try using the--verboseflag instead of-debug -logto see more detailed output from the executable.
- Check for similar files: If you’re unable to find the
debug.logfile, try searching for other debug-related files in your system’s directories.
Conclusion
By understanding where the debug.log file is located within Bitcoin’s source code and accessing it using the appropriate command-line flags or file explorer, you should be able to troubleshoot issues related to this essential component of the Bitcoin ecosystem.
