claude-dev-suite Polar
Lightning Network regtest GUI. One-click setup of multi-node LN networks for testing.
Repo: github.com/jamaljsr/polar.
Features
- Multi-node: bitcoind + LND/CLN/Eclair/LDK Node + Tap (Taproot Assets).
- GUI: drag-and-drop network builder.
- Channel topology editor: open / close channels visually.
- Payment simulator: send/receive between nodes.
- Balance + fee customization.
- Persisted networks: save/restore.
- Tor optional for testing onion-only setups.
Setup
Download installer (Mac/Win/Linux). Requires Docker.
Create network:
- New network → name + chain (regtest).
- Drag node icons (LND, CLN, etc.) onto canvas.
- Add bitcoind backend.
- Start network.
- Open channels via UI.
- Send payments.
Use cases
- Lightning app development: test against real LND/CLN APIs.
- Multisig coordinator testing across LN-aware impls.
- Demos for tutorials, presentations.
- Education: visualize LN flows.
Compared
| Aspect | Polar | Nigiri | Manual regtest |
|---|---|---|---|
| GUI | yes | no | no |
| Multi-LN-impl | yes | LND only | yes |
| Esplora explorer | no | yes | manual |
| Use case | LN focus | Bitcoin focus | Custom |
Common issues
- Docker required and runs containers; resource-heavy on small machines.
- Port conflicts with existing services.
- Old saved networks may break across Polar versions; export node configs separately for portability.