`bch-dex` is a decentralized exchange *protocol* for permissionless trading of [SLP tokens](https://github.com/simpleledger/slp-specifications/blob/master/slp-token-type-1.md) and [NFTs](https://github.com/simpleledger/slp-specifications/blob/master/slp-nft-1.md). Trading fees are incredibly small, compared to other DEX platforms. The software is based entirely on open protocols and open source software. `bch-dex` software is maintained by the [Permissionless Software Foundation](https://psfoundation.info).
This is a prototype web service that monitors one or more [Nostr relays](https://nostr.com) for trading signals, to trade BCH and SLP tokens. It's inspired by the [SWaP Protocol](https://github.com/vinarmani/swap-protocol/blob/master/swap-protocol-spec.md).
This repository contains the back end code. The user interface is contained in the [bch-dex-ui-v3](https://github.com/Permissionless-Software-Foundation/bch-dex-ui-v3) repository.
This is an open source project, and we encourage other JavaScript developers to participate in its creation and maintenance. We have two chat rooms for the community:
Running the DEX requires composition of these different software packages:
- bch-dex - This repository is the back end software that tracks trade data on the network, generates [Offers and Counter Offers](https://github.com/Permissionless-Software-Foundation/bch-dex/tree/ct-unstable/dev-docs#definitions), and finalizes trades by accepting Counter Offers.
- [bch-dex-ui-v3](https://github.com/Permissionless-Software-Foundation/bch-dex-ui-v3) web app and user interface (UI) for bch-dex focused on Sellers of tokens.
- [MongoDB](https://www.mongodb.com/) is a database used by bch-dex to store and manage local data, user accounts, etc.
The above software is orchestrated using [Docker](https://www.docker.com/) and Docker Compose. The target operating system is Ubuntu 20+, and the target hardware is amd64 (normal desktop PCs). Trying to operate this software on other operating systems or hardware is possible, but not supported.
1. Follow the direction in [this Gist](https://gist.github.com/christroutner/a39f656850dc022b60f25c9663dd1cdd) to install Node.js, Docker, and Docker Compose.
1. Clone the repository with `git clone https://github.com/Permissionless-Software-Foundation/bch-dex` and enter it with `cd bch-dex`.
1. Start the Docker containers with `docker-compose up -d`
1. Open a web browser and navigate the `http://localhost:4500`. You'll be able to see new Offers as they come in and are detected by bch-dex.
1. To take the other side of the trade, click the `Take` button in the UI.
1. You can add the 12-word mnemonic from the `wallet.json` file to the the web wallet, which will mirror your wallet in the UI, and allow you to perform basic wallet functions (send and receive BCH and tokens).
bch-dex requires a [Cash Stack](https://cashstack.info) back end in order to connect to the blockchain. By default, the Docker containers connect to [free-bch.fullstack.cash](https://free-bch.fullstack.cash/). Several community-provided servers are provided and can be [viewed here](https://consumers.psfoundation.info/consumers.json). The back end can be changed by setting the `CONSUMER_URL` environment variable in the `docker-compose.yml` file.
