Electrum ABC
Download
Learn

Bitcoin ABC, explained.

The full-node software that runs the eCash network — and how it relates to the Electrum ABC wallet on your desktop.

What it is

Bitcoin ABC is the reference full-node implementation for the eCash network. It validates every block, every transaction, and (with a configured stake) participates in Avalanche consensus. It does not have a wallet UI — it is infrastructure.

Why the name

The "ABC" lineage traces back to the original Bitcoin ABC implementation that powered Bitcoin Cash through 2017–2020. When the eCash branch split off, the node software kept the ABC name; the BCH branch renamed.

Relationship to Electrum ABC

Bitcoin ABC validates the chain. Electrum ABC is a lightweight wallet that asks an Electrum/Fulcrum server (which in turn talks to a Bitcoin ABC node) for the data it needs to display balances and broadcast transactions. They are complementary, not substitutes.

Scope

What Bitcoin ABC does and doesn't do.

Does
  • +Validate every block and transaction on the eCash chain.
  • +Serve chain data to Fulcrum / Electrum servers and to other nodes.
  • +Participate in Avalanche pre-consensus once a stake proof is configured.
  • +Ship as reference software: open source, reproducible builds, versioned upgrades.
Doesn't
  • –Come with a wallet UI — it is infrastructure, not an end-user app.
  • –Custody your XEC — you still need a wallet like Electrum ABC to spend.
  • –Mine XEC on its own — mining needs separate mining software.
  • –Handle fiat, exchanges, or NFTs.
Release cadence

How Bitcoin ABC ships.

Reference software

Open source, mirrored on GitHub, reviewed by the eCash developer community.

Reproducible builds

Binaries can be built deterministically from source so they can be verified independently.

Coordinated upgrades

Consensus changes ship on published upgrade dates so node operators can update in advance.
FAQ

Bitcoin ABC questions, answered.

Is Bitcoin ABC the same as Electrum ABC?+

No. Bitcoin ABC is full-node software that validates the entire eCash chain and participates in consensus. Electrum ABC is a desktop wallet that talks to nodes to send and receive XEC. Different tools, different jobs.

Do I need Bitcoin ABC to run Electrum ABC?+

No. Electrum ABC connects to public Electrum/Fulcrum servers by default, so you can use the wallet without running a node yourself. Power users who want full sovereignty can point Electrum ABC at their own Bitcoin ABC + Fulcrum stack.

Does Bitcoin ABC mine XEC?+

Bitcoin ABC validates the chain and can participate in Avalanche pre-consensus with a configured stake. Mining is a separate role handled by mining software; a Bitcoin ABC node is not a miner by itself.

Related on Electrum ABC

Keep reading.

Last reviewed: