The process you’re describing is usually called syncing or bootstrapping the blockchain when you fetch existing chain data to initialize a node in a local environment.

What this process is called

  • In most contexts, when a local node downloads and verifies historical blocks to “catch up” with the network, it’s referred to as syncing the blockchain (or initial block download , IBD).
  • If you’re starting a fresh local chain (for example a testnet or development chain like Hardhat or Ganache), the setup step is often called initializing or spinning up a local blockchain node or environment.

Related terms you may see

  • Bootstrapping : pulling the latest state and blocks from peers to start participating in the network.
  • Fetching blockchain data : when an app queries an existing node or API to read on‑chain information (transactions, blocks, events) rather than syncing the whole chain.

If you tell me which stack you’re using (e.g., Ethereum/Hardhat, Bitcoin Core, etc.), I can give the exact command‑level term (like geth --syncmode or ganache-cli) and how it maps to that “fetch and start” step.