Switch node startup to YAML config files

Update Makefile, README, and .gitignore to use configs/ Add YAML config
loading to node main.go Add gopkg.in/yaml.v3 dependency Remove unused
IsBootstrap field from NodeConfig

.gitignore

@@ -71,3 +71,5 @@ data/*
 data/bootstrap/rqlite/
 
 .env.*
+
+configs/

Makefile

@@ -30,22 +30,20 @@ test:
 
 # Run bootstrap node (auto-selects identity and data dir)
 run-node:
-	@echo "Starting bootstrap node..."
+	@echo "Starting bootstrap node with config..."
-	go run ./cmd/node --data ./data/bootstrap --p2p-port $${P2P:-4001} --rqlite-http-port $${HTTP:-5001} --rqlite-raft-port $${RAFT:-7001} --adv-addr $${ADV_ADDR:-127.0.0.1} --disable-anonrc
+	go run ./cmd/node --config configs/bootstrap.yaml
 
 # Run second node (regular) - requires join address of bootstrap node
 # Usage: make run-node2 JOINADDR=/ip4/127.0.0.1/tcp/5001 HTTP=5002 RAFT=7002 P2P=4002
 run-node2:
-	@echo "Starting regular node2..."
+	@echo "Starting regular node2 with config..."
-	@if [ -z "$(JOINADDR)" ]; then echo "ERROR: Provide join address: make run-node2 JOINADDR=/ip4/127.0.0.1/tcp/5001 [HTTP=5002 RAFT=7002 P2P=4002]"; exit 1; fi
+	go run ./cmd/node --config configs/node.yaml
-	go run ./cmd/node --id node2 --data ./data/node2 --p2p-port $${P2P:-4002} --rqlite-http-port $${HTTP:-5002} --rqlite-raft-port $${RAFT:-7002} --rqlite-join-address $(JOINADDR)
 
 # Run third node (regular) - requires join address of bootstrap node
 # Usage: make run-node3 JOINADDR=/ip4/127.0.0.1/tcp/5001 HTTP=5003 RAFT=7003 P2P=4003
 run-node3:
-	@echo "Starting regular node3..."
+	@echo "Starting regular node3 with config..."
-	@if [ -z "$(JOINADDR)" ]; then echo "ERROR: Provide join address: make run-node3 JOINADDR=/ip4/127.0.0.1/tcp/5001 [HTTP=5003 RAFT=7003 P2P=4003]"; exit 1; fi
+	go run ./cmd/node --config configs/node.yaml
-	go run ./cmd/node --id node3 --data ./data/node3 --p2p-port $${P2P:-4003} --rqlite-http-port $${HTTP:-5003} --rqlite-raft-port $${RAFT:-7003} --rqlite-join-address $(JOINADDR)
 
 # Run basic usage example
 run-example:
@@ -150,9 +148,9 @@ test-consensus: build
 # Start development cluster (requires multiple terminals)
 dev-cluster:
 	@echo "To start a development cluster, run these commands in separate terminals:"
-	@echo "1. make run-node           # Start bootstrap node"
+	@echo "1. make run-node           # Start bootstrap node (uses configs/bootstrap.yaml)"
-	@echo "2. make run-node2 JOINADDR=/ip4/127.0.0.1/tcp/5001 HTTP=5002 RAFT=7002 P2P=4002"
+	@echo "2. make run-node2          # Start second node (uses configs/node.yaml)"
-	@echo "3. make run-node3 JOINADDR=/ip4/127.0.0.1/tcp/5001 HTTP=5003 RAFT=7003 P2P=4003"
+	@echo "3. make run-node3          # Start third node (uses configs/node.yaml)"
 	@echo "4. make run-example        # Test basic functionality"
 	@echo "5. make cli-health         # Check network health"
 	@echo "6. make cli-peers          # List peers"

README.md

@@ -109,13 +109,15 @@ make build
 ```bash
 make run-node
 # Or manually:
-go run ./cmd/node -data ./data/bootstrap -p2p-port 4001 -rqlite-http-port 5001 -rqlite-raft-port 7001
+go run ./cmd/node --config configs/bootstrap.yaml
 ```
 
 ### 4. Start Additional Nodes
 
 ```bash
-go run ./cmd/node -id node2 -data ./data/node2 -rqlite-http-port 5002 -rqlite-raft-port 7002 -p2p-port 4002 --disable-anonrc
+make run-node2
+# Or manually:
+go run ./cmd/node --config configs/node.yaml
 ```
 
 ### 5. Test with CLI
@@ -174,23 +176,87 @@ sudo journalctl -u debros-node.service -f
 
 ## Configuration
 
-### YAML Config Example (`/opt/debros/configs/node.yaml`)
+### Example Configuration Files
+
+#### `configs/bootstrap.yaml`
 
 ```yaml
 node:
-  data_dir: "/opt/debros/data/node"
+  id: ""
-  key_file: "/opt/debros/keys/node/identity.key"
   listen_addresses:
     - "/ip4/0.0.0.0/tcp/4001"
-  solana_wallet: "YOUR_WALLET_ADDRESS"
+  data_dir: "./data/bootstrap"
+  max_connections: 100
+  disable_anonrc: true
 
 database:
+  data_dir: "./data/db"
+  replication_factor: 3
+  shard_count: 16
+  max_database_size: 1073741824
+  backup_interval: 24h
   rqlite_port: 5001
   rqlite_raft_port: 7001
+  rqlite_join_address: "" # Bootstrap node does not join
+
+discovery:
+  bootstrap_peers: []
+  discovery_interval: 15s
+  bootstrap_port: 4001
+  http_adv_address: "127.0.0.1"
+  raft_adv_address: ""
+
+security:
+  enable_tls: false
+  private_key_file: ""
+  certificate_file: ""
+  auth_enabled: false
 
 logging:
   level: "info"
-  file: "/opt/debros/logs/node.log"
+  format: "console"
+  output_file: ""
+```
+
+#### `configs/node.yaml`
+
+```yaml
+node:
+  id: "node2"
+  listen_addresses:
+    - "/ip4/0.0.0.0/tcp/4002"
+  data_dir: "./data/node2"
+  max_connections: 50
+  disable_anonrc: true
+
+database:
+  data_dir: "./data/db"
+  replication_factor: 3
+  shard_count: 16
+  max_database_size: 1073741824
+  backup_interval: 24h
+  rqlite_port: 5002
+  rqlite_raft_port: 7002
+  rqlite_join_address: "http://127.0.0.1:5001"
+
+discovery:
+  bootstrap_peers:
+    - "/ip4/127.0.0.1/tcp/4001/p2p/<YOUR_BOOTSTRAP_PEER_ID>"
+  discovery_interval: 15s
+  bootstrap_port: 4002
+  http_adv_address: "127.0.0.1"
+  raft_adv_address: ""
+
+security:
+  enable_tls: false
+  private_key_file: ""
+  certificate_file: ""
+  auth_enabled: false
+
+logging:
+  level: "info"
+  format: "console"
+  output_file: ""
 ```
 
 ### Flags & Environment Variables

WHITEPAPER.md

@@ -1,19 +1,19 @@
-# DeBros Network: A Peer-to-Peer Decentralized Database Ecosystem
+# DeBros Network: A Peer-to-Peer Decentralized Development Ecosystem
 
 **DeBros**
 info@debros.io
 https://debros.io
-August 2, 2025
+August 14, 2025
 
 ## Abstract
 
-We propose a decentralized ecosystem, the DeBros Network, enabling peer-to-peer application deployment and operation across a global network of nodes, free from centralized control. Built with Go and LibP2P for robust networking, RQLite for distributed consensus, and integrated with the Solana blockchain for identity and governance, the network provides a resilient, privacy-first platform for decentralized applications. Participation is governed by NFT ownership and token staking, with demonstrated applications like Anchat showcasing real-world messaging capabilities. The architecture eliminates single points of failure while maintaining developer simplicity and end-user accessibility.
+We propose a decentralized development ecosystem, the DeBros Network, enabling peer-to-peer application deployment and operation across a global network of nodes, free from centralized control. Built LibP2P for robust networking, RQLite for distributed consensus, and integrated with the blochains like Etherium or Solana for identity and governance, the network provides a resilient, privacy-first platform for decentralized development. Participation is governed by NFT ownership and token staking, with demonstrated applications like Anchat showcasing real-world messaging capabilities. The architecture eliminates single points of failure while maintaining developer simplicity and end-user accessibility.
 
 ## 1. Introduction
 
 Centralized systems dominate modern technology, imposing control over data, access, and development through single points of failure and intermediaries. These structures compromise privacy, resilience, innovation, and freedom, while existing decentralized solutions often lack the simplicity or scalability needed for widespread adoption.
 
-The DeBros Network resolves these issues by establishing a peer-to-peer platform where nodes form a decentralized backbone for applications. Built on Go's performance and LibP2P's proven networking stack, it empowers a global community of developers and users to collaborate as equals, delivering scalable, privacy-first solutions without centralized oversight.
+The DeBros Network resolves these issues by establishing a peer-to-peer platform where nodes form a decentralized backbone for applications. Built on LibP2P's proven networking stack and Rqlite as a database, it empowers a global community of developers and users to collaborate as equals, delivering scalable, privacy-first solutions without centralized oversight.
 
 ## 2. Problem Statement
 

cmd/node/main.go

@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ import (
 	"context"
 	"flag"
 	"fmt"
+	"io/ioutil"
 	"log"
 	"os"
 	"os/signal"
@@ -15,6 +16,7 @@ import (
 	"git.debros.io/DeBros/network/pkg/logging"
 	"git.debros.io/DeBros/network/pkg/node"
 	"go.uber.org/zap"
+	"gopkg.in/yaml.v3"
 )
 
 func setup_logger(component logging.Component) (logger *logging.ColoredLogger) {
@@ -28,9 +30,10 @@ func setup_logger(component logging.Component) (logger *logging.ColoredLogger) {
 	return logger
 }
 
-func parse_and_return_network_flags() (dataDir, nodeID *string, p2pPort, rqlHTTP, rqlRaft *int, disableAnon *bool, rqlJoinAddr *string, advAddr *string, help *bool) {
+func parse_and_return_network_flags() (configPath *string, dataDir, nodeID *string, p2pPort, rqlHTTP, rqlRaft *int, disableAnon *bool, rqlJoinAddr *string, advAddr *string, help *bool) {
 	logger := setup_logger(logging.ComponentNode)
 
+	configPath = flag.String("config", "", "Path to config YAML file (overrides defaults)")
 	dataDir = flag.String("data", "", "Data directory (auto-detected if not provided)")
 	nodeID = flag.String("id", "", "Node identifier (for running multiple local nodes)")
 	p2pPort = flag.Int("p2p-port", 4001, "LibP2P listen port")
@@ -38,15 +41,63 @@ func parse_and_return_network_flags() (dataDir, nodeID *string, p2pPort, rqlHTTP
 	rqlRaft = flag.Int("rqlite-raft-port", 7001, "RQLite Raft port")
 	disableAnon = flag.Bool("disable-anonrc", false, "Disable Anyone proxy routing (defaults to enabled on 127.0.0.1:9050)")
 	rqlJoinAddr = flag.String("rqlite-join-address", "", "RQLite address to join (e.g., /ip4/)")
-	advAddr = flag.String("adv-addr", "127.0.0.1", "Default Addvertise address for rqlite and rafts")
+	advAddr = flag.String("adv-addr", "127.0.0.1", "Default Advertise address for rqlite and rafts")
 	help = flag.Bool("help", false, "Show help")
 	flag.Parse()
 
 	logger.Info("Successfully parsed all flags and arguments.")
 
+	if *configPath != "" {
+		cfg, err := LoadConfigFromYAML(*configPath)
+		if err != nil {
+			logger.Error("Failed to load config from YAML", zap.Error(err))
+			os.Exit(1)
+		}
+		logger.ComponentInfo(logging.ComponentNode, "Configuration loaded from YAML file", zap.String("path", *configPath))
+
+		// Instead of returning flag values, return config values
+		// For ListenAddresses, extract port from multiaddr string if possible, else use default
+		var p2pPortVal int
+		if len(cfg.Node.ListenAddresses) > 0 {
+			// Try to parse port from multiaddr string
+			var port int
+			_, err := fmt.Sscanf(cfg.Node.ListenAddresses[0], "/ip4/0.0.0.0/tcp/%d", &port)
+			if err == nil {
+				p2pPortVal = port
+			} else {
+				p2pPortVal = 4001
+			}
+		} else {
+			p2pPortVal = 4001
+		}
+		return configPath,
+			&cfg.Node.DataDir,
+			&cfg.Node.ID,
+			&p2pPortVal,
+			&cfg.Database.RQLitePort,
+			&cfg.Database.RQLiteRaftPort,
+			&cfg.Node.DisableAnonRC,
+			&cfg.Database.RQLiteJoinAddress,
+			&cfg.Discovery.HttpAdvAddress,
+			help
+	}
+
 	return
 }
 
+// LoadConfigFromYAML loads a config from a YAML file
+func LoadConfigFromYAML(path string) (*config.Config, error) {
+	data, err := ioutil.ReadFile(path)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to read config file: %w", err)
+	}
+	var cfg config.Config
+	if err := yaml.Unmarshal(data, &cfg); err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to unmarshal YAML: %w", err)
+	}
+	return &cfg, nil
+}
+
 func disable_anon_proxy(disableAnon *bool) bool {
 	anyoneproxy.SetDisabled(*disableAnon)
 	logger := setup_logger(logging.ComponentAnyone)
@@ -152,7 +203,7 @@ func load_args_into_config(cfg *config.Config, p2pPort, rqlHTTP, rqlRaft *int, r
 func main() {
 	logger := setup_logger(logging.ComponentNode)
 
-	dataDir, nodeID, p2pPort, rqlHTTP, rqlRaft, disableAnon, rqlJoinAddr, advAddr, help := parse_and_return_network_flags()
+	_, dataDir, nodeID, p2pPort, rqlHTTP, rqlRaft, disableAnon, rqlJoinAddr, advAddr, help := parse_and_return_network_flags()
 
 	disable_anon_proxy(disableAnon)
 	check_if_should_open_help(help)

go.mod

@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ require (
 	github.com/rqlite/gorqlite v0.0.0-20250609141355-ac86a4a1c9a8
 	go.uber.org/zap v1.27.0
 	golang.org/x/net v0.42.0
+	gopkg.in/yaml.v3 v3.0.1
 )
 
 require (

pkg/config/config.go

@@ -22,9 +22,7 @@ type NodeConfig struct {
 	ListenAddresses []string `yaml:"listen_addresses"` // LibP2P listen addresses
 	DataDir         string   `yaml:"data_dir"`         // Data directory
 	MaxConnections  int      `yaml:"max_connections"`  // Maximum peer connections
-
+	DisableAnonRC   bool     `yaml:"disable_anon_rc"`  // Disable Anyone proxy/SOCKS5
-	// Bootstrap configuration (only for bootstrap nodes)
-	IsBootstrap bool `yaml:"is_bootstrap"`
 }
 
 // DatabaseConfig contains database-related configuration
@@ -97,7 +95,6 @@ func DefaultConfig() *Config {
 			},
 			DataDir:        "./data",
 			MaxConnections: 50,
-			IsBootstrap:    false,
 		},
 		Database: DatabaseConfig{
 			DataDir:           "./data/db",