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Guide · Open source

How to use v2ray-core: clone, build and configure

Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data

v2ray-core (Project V) is an open-source set of network tools, written in Go and released under the MIT licence, for building your own proxy network. It routes and encrypts connections so traffic can pass through a server you control. This guide explains what it is, how to get the source from the README, and what to expect before you configure it.

V2Rayv2fly/v2ray-core · ★ 34.7k · MIT

Quick start

  1. 1Check your environment. Confirm git is installed, since the README's only listed command uses it. No other prerequisites are listed.
  2. 2Clone the repository. Run git clone https://github.com/v2fly/v2ray-core to download the source.
  3. 3Read the newcomer guide. Open the Newcomer's Instructions at v2fly.org because the README points there for setup.
  4. 4Plan your server and clients. Decide which server you control and which devices will connect through it.
  5. 5Write your configuration. Create and edit the configuration files that define your routing, following the official documentation.
  6. 6Test with one client. Confirm one connection works end to end before adding more clients or routes.

What is v2ray-core and who is it for?

According to its README, Project V is a set of network tools that helps you build your own computer network. It secures network connections and is described as protecting privacy.

It is best suited to developers who want to build and configure their own proxy server, and to technically comfortable users who want a self-hosted private network route. People who need to read and edit configuration files for custom routing setups will also find it useful.

Install v2ray-core: get the source code

The README lists the install method as a download of the application, and gives one command for getting the code. It lists no prerequisites. Clone the repository with git:

  • Make sure git is installed on your machine.
  • Run the clone command below to download the repository.
  • Follow the project documentation for building and setup, since the README points to separate guides.
git clone https://github.com/v2fly/v2ray-core

Configure your own proxy route

V2Ray is configured through files you write and edit, so you control how traffic is routed. The README does not give a simple default setup, so expect to spend time on configuration before the proxy works as you intend.

The official documentation and the Newcomer's Instructions are the places to look for configuration details. The README itself does not describe specific configuration file formats or commands.

  • Read the Newcomer's Instructions at v2fly.org/guide/start.html first.
  • Plan which server you control and which clients will connect to it.
  • Test the setup with a single client before adding more.

Where to find documentation and help

The project homepage is https://v2fly.org, which hosts the documentation. Translations are accepted through Transifex. If you want to package V2Ray for another distribution or platform, the README asks you to open a GitHub issue.

  • Documentation: https://www.v2fly.org
  • Newcomer's Instructions: https://www.v2fly.org/guide/start.html
  • Issues and packaging help: GitHub issues on the v2fly/v2ray-core repository

Licence and comparable projects

v2ray-core is released under the MIT License, as stated in the README. The README does not address whether using it is legal in any particular country, so check local rules yourself.

Comparable projects named in our review include Xray-core, sing-box and Shadowsocks-libev. Compare them on documentation, configuration style and the features you need.

What people use it for

  • Building a self-hosted proxy server you control for personal use.
  • Setting up custom routing rules for traffic that passes through your own server.
  • Learning how encrypted proxy networks are structured using an open-source Go codebase.
  • Comparing proxy platforms such as Xray-core or sing-box before choosing one.

Frequently asked questions

Is v2ray-core free to use?

Yes, v2ray-core is released under the MIT License, as stated in the README. The MIT licence permits use under its terms, and the README does not mention any paid tier.

What are the requirements for v2ray-core?

The README lists no prerequisites. You need git to run the clone command shown, and the project documentation covers any build or setup needs.

Is v2ray-core easy for beginners?

Not really. The README points newcomers to separate documentation and gives no simple default setup, so it suits people who can spend time on configuration.

How do I install v2ray-core?

The README gives the command git clone https://github.com/v2fly/v2ray-core to get the source. Follow the Newcomer's Instructions at v2fly.org for the rest of setup.

What are the alternatives to v2ray-core?

Comparable projects named in our review are Xray-core, sing-box and Shadowsocks-libev. Each has its own configuration style, so compare documentation and features.

Is v2ray-core legal to use?

The README does not address the legality of use in any country, and it gives no guarantee of regulatory compliance. Check the rules where you live before you deploy it.

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Our verdict

v2ray-core suits developers and technically comfortable users who want to build and configure a self-hosted proxy route and are willing to read configuration documentation. If you want a click-and-go app with a simple default setup, pick a tool that ships one, since the README gives none.

Install options & downloads