Terracoin-Qt/terracoind version 0.7.1 and later supports a special import feature: If the file "bootstrap.dat" is found in the terracoin data directory, it will validate and import all blockchain data found in that file. ---------------------- What is bootstrap.dat? It is a flat, binary file containing terracoin blockchain data, from the genesis block through a recent height. Versions 0.7.1+ automatically validates and imports a file in the data directory named "bootstrap.dat". Special note: Version prior to 0.8.0 have a bug which will only import 2G of data from a file. This is fixed in 0.8.0. ------------------------ Who wants bootstrap.dat? Anyone bringing up a new node using the reference client. This is one method of accelerating the initial blockchain download process, while helping the terracoin P2P network by offloading data download traffic from public P2P nodes. This download is not for those who are already running the terracoin client. For a new install download the boorstrap, run the verify. Once verified, ungzip it and start terracoind with `-loadblock=bootstrap.dat`. Let it finish the sync, gracefully stop the daemon and remove bootstrap.dat.old. You are now caught up. ------------------------------- How often will this be updated? Assuming this project is deemed useful and worth continuing... the bootstrap will be updated once a month. ------------------------------ Why not update the more often? The current policy is to only update after blocks are buried many thousands deep in the chain. ----------------------- Why should I trust you? You don't have to: This data is raw block chain data. The client will verify this data during import. Independent third parties may generate their own bootstrap.dat, up to a recent height, and verify that the sha256sum matches that posted above. The file format is simple and publicly known: <4-byte pchMessageStart><32-bit length> A signed SHA256SUM is privided, use the verify.sh file to make sure it's valid before your ungzip the bootstrap file.