Getting started

Install

cargo install swarm-scout swarm-stash swarm-perch swarm-keep
# binaries: scout, stash, perch, keep

Reading needs nothing

Reads default to the public Swarm gateway, so this works immediately:

scout cat <reference>          # print content
scout get <reference> out.bin  # download to a file

Override the read endpoint with --gateway / $BEE_GATEWAY to use your own node or a private gateway.

Writing needs a node + a postage batch

Uploading (and feeds, sharing, stash push, perch deploy, keep set) requires a Bee node that holds a postage batch. Two pieces:

A node. Run Bee locally (defaults to http://localhost:1633) or use a hosted one. Point the tools at it with --node / $BEE_NODE.
A postage batch. Buy one on the node — it prepays storage:
```
curl -s -XPOST "$BEE_NODE/stamps/<amount>/<depth>"   # returns a batchID
```
On a fresh testnet node a usable batch needs amount above the chain's current total and takes a couple of minutes to become usable. Pass the batch id with --stamp / $BEE_STAMP.

export BEE_NODE=http://localhost:1633
export BEE_STAMP=<batchID>
scout up notes.md          # -> a reference
perch deploy ./site        # -> a website URL

Environment variables

Var	Used by	Meaning
`BEE_GATEWAY`	all (reads)	read endpoint (default: public gateway)
`BEE_NODE`	all (writes)	your Bee node for uploads (default: `localhost:1633`)
`BEE_STAMP`	all (writes)	postage batch id

Concepts in 30 seconds

Reference — a content address (hex). Immutable: same bytes → same ref.
Feed — a mutable pointer you own; the handle stays put while the content it serves changes. Powers stash/perch/keep's "latest version."
Postage batch — prepaid storage; required to upload.
ACT — Access Control Trie: encrypt content and grant/revoke specific recipients (used by scout share).