cardano-cli

TLDR

Query tip (latest block info)

$ cardano-cli query tip --mainnet

Generate payment keys

$ cardano-cli address key-gen --verification-key-file [payment.vkey] --signing-key-file [payment.skey]

Build a payment address

$ cardano-cli address build --payment-verification-key-file [payment.vkey] --out-file [payment.addr] --mainnet

Query UTxOs for an address

$ cardano-cli query utxo --address [addr1...] --mainnet

Build a transaction

$ cardano-cli transaction build --tx-in [txhash#index] --tx-out [addr]+[lovelace] --change-address [addr] --mainnet --out-file [tx.raw]

Sign a transaction

$ cardano-cli transaction sign --tx-body-file [tx.raw] --signing-key-file [payment.skey] --mainnet --out-file [tx.signed]

Submit a transaction

$ cardano-cli transaction submit --tx-file [tx.signed] --mainnet

SYNOPSIS

cardano-cli command [subcommand] [options]

cardano-cli is the command-line interface for interacting with the Cardano blockchain. It provides functionality for key generation, address creation, transaction building, and querying the blockchain state.
The tool interfaces with a running cardano-node to query blockchain data and submit transactions. It supports both mainnet and various test networks (preprod, preview). Operations include managing stake keys, delegating to stake pools, and minting native tokens.
Cardano uses an extended UTxO (EUTxO) model where transactions consume and produce unspent transaction outputs. The CLI handles the complexity of building valid transactions with proper fees and balancing.

PARAMETERS

query

Query blockchain state (tip, utxo, protocol-parameters).

address

Address commands (key-gen, build).

transaction

Transaction commands (build, sign, submit).

stake-address

Stake address and delegation commands.

stake-pool

Stake pool operations.

key

Key utility commands.

genesis

Genesis block commands.

--mainnet

Use mainnet network magic.

--testnet-magic num

Use testnet with specific magic number.

--socket-path path

Path to node socket (or CARDANONODESOCKET_PATH env).

--out-file file

Output file for results.

--signing-key-file file

Private key for signing.

--verification-key-file file

Public key file.

CAVEATS

Requires a running and synced cardano-node. Socket path must be accessible. Transactions require correct fee calculation and change output. Keys should be stored securely; loss means loss of funds. Testnet tokens have no real value.

HISTORY

cardano-cli is developed by Input Output Global (IOG) as part of the Cardano blockchain project founded by Charles Hoskinson. Cardano mainnet launched in September 2017 (Byron era). The Shelley era in 2020 introduced staking. The Alonzo upgrade in September 2021 added smart contract support. The tool continues to evolve with each protocol upgrade.