generated: '2026-07-20'
method: searched
source: https://docs.obol.org/next/learn/charon/charon-cli-reference
name: charon
description: >-
  Charon is the Go-based distributed validator middleware client. Its CLI creates and
  runs Distributed Validator (DV) clusters, participates in distributed key generation,
  and manages validator lifecycle operations.
binary_package: packages/obol-packages.yml
releases: https://github.com/ObolNetwork/charon/releases
install:
  - method: docker
    command: docker run obolnetwork/charon:latest version
  - method: go
    command: go install github.com/obolnetwork/charon@latest
commands:
  - name: create
    group: cluster-setup
    description: Create artifacts for a distributed validator cluster.
    subcommands: [cluster, dkg, enr]
  - name: dkg
    group: cluster-setup
    description: Participate in a distributed key generation ceremony.
  - name: combine
    group: cluster-setup
    description: Merge validator key shares back into standard validator keys.
  - name: run
    group: validator-operations
    description: Start the long-running Charon middleware process to perform DV duties.
  - name: exit
    group: validator-operations
    description: Pre-sign and manage validator exit messages.
    subcommands: [sign, fetch, broadcast, delete, active-validator-list]
  - name: deposit
    group: validator-operations
    description: Manage alternative deposit data for inactive validators.
    subcommands: [sign, fetch]
  - name: feerecipient
    group: validator-operations
    description: Manage the preferred fee recipient addresses for the cluster.
    subcommands: [sign, fetch, list]
  - name: enr
    group: network
    description: Print the Ethereum Node Record (ENR) identifying this client.
  - name: relay
    group: network
    description: Start a libp2p circuit relay that charon clients can use.
  - name: alpha
    group: experimental
    description: Early-access experimental features.
    subcommands: [edit, test]
  - name: completion
    group: utility
    description: Generate shell autocompletion scripts.
  - name: version
    group: utility
    description: Display version information.