# Bitcoind configuration

Rostrum requires a full node to query for data and network status. This document covers how to connect and authenticate with a full node.

## Bitcoin Unlimited

Rostrum is automatically configured and started with Bitcoin Unlimited. If the binary is not in the same directory as `bitcoind`, you can specify the alternative location using `-electrum.exec=/full/path/rostrum`.

For more options, see `bitcoind -help`.

## Nexa

**Nexa on Linux includes Rostrum by default and runs it automatically alongside the node.** The Electrum server is enabled by default on Linux but must be explicitly enabled on other platforms (macOS, Windows).

When enabled, Nexa automatically launches Rostrum as a separate process. For better control over Rostrum configuration, you can disable the built-in Electrum server with `-electrum=0` and run Rostrum separately.

For complete configuration details and all available options, see the [Nexa Integration section in Usage](usage.md#nexa-integration).

For more options, see `nexad --help` and look for the "Electrum server options" section.

## Other nodes

If you are using `-rpcuser=USER` and `-rpcpassword=PASSWORD` for authentication, please use `auth="USER:PASSWORD"` option in one of the config files.

Otherwise, `~/.bitcoin/.cookie` will be read, allowing this server to use bitcoind JSONRPC interface.