diff --git a/cli/cmd/flags.go b/cli/cmd/flags.go
index fd61049..d27560c 100644
--- a/cli/cmd/flags.go
+++ b/cli/cmd/flags.go
@@ -3,12 +3,11 @@ package cmd
 import (
 	"encoding/json"
 	"os"
-	"path/filepath"
 
-	"github.com/mitchellh/go-homedir"
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
 	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
 	"github.com/vulpemventures/nigiri/cli/config"
+	"github.com/vulpemventures/nigiri/cli/constants"
 )
 
 var (
@@ -18,38 +17,25 @@ var (
 	flagAttachLiquid  bool
 	flagLiquidService bool
 	flagEnv           string
-
-	defaultPorts = map[string]map[string]int{
-		"bitcoin": {
-			"node":        18443,
-			"electrs_rpc": 60401,
-			"chopsticks":  3000,
-			"esplora":     5000,
-		},
-		"liquid": {
-			"node":        7041,
-			"electrs_rpc": 51401,
-			"chopsticks":  3001,
-			"esplora":     5001,
-		},
-	}
 )
 
 var RootCmd = &cobra.Command{
 	Use:     "nigiri",
 	Short:   "Nigiri lets you manage a full dockerized bitcoin environment",
 	Long:    "Nigiri lets you create your dockerized environment with a bitcoin and optionally a liquid node + block explorer powered by an electrum server for every network",
-	Version: "0.0.3",
+	Version: "0.0.4",
 }
 
 func init() {
-	defaultDir := getDefaultDir()
-	ports, _ := json.Marshal(defaultPorts)
+	c := &config.Config{}
+	viper := c.Viper()
+	defaultDir := c.GetPath()
+	defaultJSON, _ := json.Marshal(constants.DefaultEnv)
 
 	RootCmd.PersistentFlags().StringVar(&flagDatadir, "datadir", defaultDir, "Set nigiri default directory")
 	StartCmd.PersistentFlags().StringVar(&flagNetwork, "network", "regtest", "Set bitcoin network - regtest only for now")
 	StartCmd.PersistentFlags().BoolVar(&flagAttachLiquid, "liquid", false, "Enable liquid sidechain")
-	StartCmd.PersistentFlags().StringVar(&flagEnv, "ports", string(ports), "Set services ports in JSON format")
+	StartCmd.PersistentFlags().StringVar(&flagEnv, "env", string(defaultJSON), "Set compose env in JSON format")
 	StopCmd.PersistentFlags().BoolVar(&flagDelete, "delete", false, "Stop and delete nigiri")
 	LogsCmd.PersistentFlags().BoolVar(&flagLiquidService, "liquid", false, "Set to see logs of a liquid service")
 
@@ -57,18 +43,12 @@ func init() {
 	RootCmd.AddCommand(StopCmd)
 	RootCmd.AddCommand(LogsCmd)
 
-	viper := config.Viper()
-	viper.BindPFlag(config.Datadir, RootCmd.PersistentFlags().Lookup("datadir"))
-	viper.BindPFlag(config.Network, StartCmd.PersistentFlags().Lookup("network"))
-	viper.BindPFlag(config.AttachLiquid, StartCmd.PersistentFlags().Lookup("liquid"))
+	viper.BindPFlag(constants.Datadir, RootCmd.PersistentFlags().Lookup("datadir"))
+	viper.BindPFlag(constants.Network, StartCmd.PersistentFlags().Lookup("network"))
+	viper.BindPFlag(constants.AttachLiquid, StartCmd.PersistentFlags().Lookup("liquid"))
 
 	cobra.OnInitialize(func() {
 		log.SetOutput(os.Stdout)
 		log.SetLevel(log.InfoLevel)
 	})
 }
-
-func getDefaultDir() string {
-	home, _ := homedir.Expand("~")
-	return filepath.Join(home, ".nigiri")
-}
diff --git a/cli/cmd/logs.go b/cli/cmd/logs.go
index 192ebe0..07b168b 100644
--- a/cli/cmd/logs.go
+++ b/cli/cmd/logs.go
@@ -1,12 +1,11 @@
 package cmd
 
 import (
-	"fmt"
 	"os"
 	"os/exec"
-	"reflect"
 
-	"github.com/vulpemventures/nigiri/cli/config"
+	"github.com/vulpemventures/nigiri/cli/constants"
+	"github.com/vulpemventures/nigiri/cli/controller"
 
 	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
 )
@@ -18,42 +17,39 @@ var LogsCmd = &cobra.Command{
 	PreRunE: logsChecks,
 }
 
-var services = map[string]bool{
-	"node":       true,
-	"electrs":    true,
-	"esplora":    true,
-	"chopsticks": true,
-}
-
 func logsChecks(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 	datadir, _ := cmd.Flags().GetString("datadir")
 	isLiquidService, _ := cmd.Flags().GetBool("liquid")
 
-	if !isDatadirOk(datadir) {
-		return fmt.Errorf("Invalid datadir, it must be an absolute path: %s", datadir)
-	}
-	if len(args) != 1 {
-		return fmt.Errorf("Invalid number of args, expected 1, got: %d", len(args))
-	}
-
-	service := args[0]
-	if !services[service] {
-		return fmt.Errorf("Invalid service, must be one of %s. Got: %s", reflect.ValueOf(services).MapKeys(), service)
-	}
-	isRunning, err := nigiriIsRunning()
+	ctl, err := controller.NewController()
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-	if !isRunning {
-		return fmt.Errorf("Nigiri is not running")
+
+	if err := ctl.ParseDatadir(datadir); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if len(args) != 1 {
+		return constants.ErrInvalidArgs
 	}
 
-	if err := config.ReadFromFile(datadir); err != nil {
+	service := args[0]
+	if err := ctl.ParseServiceName(service); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 
-	if isLiquidService && isLiquidService != config.GetBool(config.AttachLiquid) {
-		return fmt.Errorf("Nigiri has been started with no Liquid sidechain.\nPlease stop and restart it using the --liquid flag")
+	if isRunning, err := ctl.IsNigiriRunning(); err != nil {
+		return err
+	} else if !isRunning {
+		return constants.ErrNigiriNotRunning
+	}
+
+	if err := ctl.ReadConfigFile(datadir); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	if isLiquidService && isLiquidService != ctl.GetConfigBoolField(constants.AttachLiquid) {
+		return constants.ErrNigiriLiquidNotEnabled
 	}
 
 	return nil
@@ -64,10 +60,15 @@ func logs(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 	datadir, _ := cmd.Flags().GetString("datadir")
 	isLiquidService, _ := cmd.Flags().GetBool("liquid")
 
-	serviceName := getServiceName(service, isLiquidService)
-	composePath := getPath(datadir, "compose")
-	envPath := getPath(datadir, "env")
-	env := loadEnv(envPath)
+	ctl, err := controller.NewController()
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	serviceName := ctl.GetServiceName(service, isLiquidService)
+	composePath := ctl.GetResourcePath(datadir, "compose")
+	envPath := ctl.GetResourcePath(datadir, "env")
+	env := ctl.LoadComposeEnvironment(envPath)
 
 	bashCmd := exec.Command("docker-compose", "-f", composePath, "logs", serviceName)
 	bashCmd.Stdout = os.Stdout
@@ -80,19 +81,3 @@ func logs(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 
 	return nil
 }
-
-func getServiceName(name string, liquid bool) string {
-	service := name
-	if service == "node" {
-		service = "bitcoin"
-	}
-	if liquid {
-		if service == "bitcoin" {
-			service = "liquid"
-		} else {
-			service = fmt.Sprintf("%s-liquid", service)
-		}
-	}
-
-	return service
-}
diff --git a/cli/cmd/logs_test.go b/cli/cmd/logs_test.go
index ba9e28d..36b06cf 100644
--- a/cli/cmd/logs_test.go
+++ b/cli/cmd/logs_test.go
@@ -2,6 +2,8 @@ package cmd
 
 import (
 	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/vulpemventures/nigiri/cli/constants"
 )
 
 var (
@@ -41,7 +43,7 @@ func TestLogLiquidServices(t *testing.T) {
 }
 
 func TestLogShouldFail(t *testing.T) {
-	expectedError := "Nigiri is not running"
+	expectedError := constants.ErrNigiriNotRunning.Error()
 
 	err := testCommand("logs", serviceList[0], bitcoin)
 	if err == nil {
@@ -65,7 +67,7 @@ func TestStartBitcoinAndLogNigiriServicesShouldFail(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
 
-	expectedError := "Nigiri has been started with no Liquid sidechain.\nPlease stop and restart it using the --liquid flag"
+	expectedError := constants.ErrNigiriLiquidNotEnabled.Error()
 
 	err := testCommand("logs", serviceList[0], liquid)
 	if err == nil {
diff --git a/cli/cmd/start.go b/cli/cmd/start.go
index 7553efd..4883868 100644
--- a/cli/cmd/start.go
+++ b/cli/cmd/start.go
@@ -1,25 +1,16 @@
 package cmd
 
 import (
-	"bufio"
-	"context"
-	"encoding/json"
 	"fmt"
-	"io/ioutil"
 	"os"
 	"os/exec"
-	"path/filepath"
-	"strconv"
 	"strings"
 
-	"github.com/vulpemventures/nigiri/cli/config"
-	"github.com/docker/docker/api/types"
-	"github.com/docker/docker/client"
 	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
+	"github.com/vulpemventures/nigiri/cli/constants"
+	"github.com/vulpemventures/nigiri/cli/controller"
 )
 
-const listAll = true
-
 var StartCmd = &cobra.Command{
 	Use:     "start",
 	Short:   "Build and start Nigiri",
@@ -30,27 +21,30 @@ var StartCmd = &cobra.Command{
 func startChecks(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 	network, _ := cmd.Flags().GetString("network")
 	datadir, _ := cmd.Flags().GetString("datadir")
-	ports, _ := cmd.Flags().GetString("ports")
+	env, _ := cmd.Flags().GetString("env")
 
-	// check flags
-	if !isNetworkOk(network) {
-		return fmt.Errorf("Invalid network: %s", network)
-	}
-
-	if !isDatadirOk(datadir) {
-		return fmt.Errorf("Invalid datadir, it must be an absolute path: %s", datadir)
-	}
-	if !isEnvOk(ports) {
-		return fmt.Errorf("Invalid env JSON, it must contain a \"bitcoin\" object with at least one service specified. It can optionally contain a \"liquid\" object with at least one service specified.\nGot: %s", ports)
-	}
-
-	// if nigiri is already running return error
-	isRunning, err := nigiriIsRunning()
+	ctl, err := controller.NewController()
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-	if isRunning {
-		return fmt.Errorf("Nigiri is already running, please stop it first")
+
+	if err := ctl.ParseNetwork(network); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	if err := ctl.ParseDatadir(datadir); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	composeEnv, err := ctl.ParseEnv(env)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	// if nigiri is already running return error
+	if isRunning, err := ctl.IsNigiriRunning(); err != nil {
+		return err
+	} else if isRunning {
+		return constants.ErrNigiriAlreadyRunning
 	}
 
 	// scratch datadir if not exists
@@ -60,65 +54,77 @@ func startChecks(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 
 	// if datadir is set we must copy the resources directory from ~/.nigiri
 	// to the new one
-	if datadir != getDefaultDir() {
-		if err := copyResources(datadir); err != nil {
+	if datadir != ctl.GetDefaultDatadir() {
+		if err := ctl.NewDatadirFromDefault(datadir); err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
 	}
 
 	// if nigiri not exists, we need to write the configuration file and then
 	// read from it to get viper updated, otherwise we just read from it.
-	exists, err := nigiriExistsAndNotRunning()
-	if err != nil {
+	if isStopped, err := ctl.IsNigiriStopped(); err != nil {
 		return err
-	}
-	if !exists {
-		filedir := getPath(datadir, "config")
-		if err := config.WriteConfig(filedir); err != nil {
+	} else if isStopped {
+		if err := ctl.ReadConfigFile(datadir); err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+	} else {
+		filedir := ctl.GetResourcePath(datadir, "config")
+		if err := ctl.WriteConfigFile(filedir); err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
 		// .env must be in the directory where docker-compose is run from, not where YAML files are placed
 		// https://docs.docker.com/compose/env-file/
-		filedir = getPath(datadir, "env")
-		if err := writeComposeEnvFile(filedir, ports); err != nil {
+		filedir = ctl.GetResourcePath(datadir, "env")
+		if err := ctl.WriteComposeEnvironment(filedir, composeEnv); err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
 	}
-	if err := config.ReadFromFile(datadir); err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
 
 	return nil
 }
 
 func start(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
-	datadir, _ := cmd.Flags().GetString("datadir")
-	liquidEnabled, _ := cmd.Flags().GetBool("liquid")
-
-	bashCmd, err := getStartBashCmd(datadir)
+	ctl, err := controller.NewController()
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 
+	datadir, _ := cmd.Flags().GetString("datadir")
+	liquidEnabled := ctl.GetConfigBoolField(constants.AttachLiquid)
+
+	envPath := ctl.GetResourcePath(datadir, "env")
+	composePath := ctl.GetResourcePath(datadir, "compose")
+
+	bashCmd := exec.Command("docker-compose", "-f", composePath, "up", "-d")
+	if isStopped, err := ctl.IsNigiriStopped(); err != nil {
+		return err
+	} else if isStopped {
+		bashCmd = exec.Command("docker-compose", "-f", composePath, "start")
+	}
+	bashCmd.Stdout = os.Stdout
+	bashCmd.Stderr = os.Stderr
+	bashCmd.Env = ctl.LoadComposeEnvironment(envPath)
+
 	if err := bashCmd.Run(); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 
-	path := getPath(datadir, "env")
-	ports, err := readComposeEnvFile(path)
+	path := ctl.GetResourcePath(datadir, "env")
+	env, err := ctl.ReadComposeEnvironment(path)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 
 	prettyPrintServices := func(chain string, services map[string]int) {
-		fmt.Printf("%s services:\n", chain)
+		fmt.Printf("%s services:\n", strings.Title(chain))
 		for name, port := range services {
 			formatName := fmt.Sprintf("%s:", name)
 			fmt.Printf("   %-14s localhost:%d\n", formatName, port)
 		}
 	}
 
-	for chain, services := range ports {
+	for chain, services := range env["ports"].(map[string]map[string]int) {
 		if chain == "bitcoin" {
 			prettyPrintServices(chain, services)
 		} else if liquidEnabled {
@@ -128,226 +134,3 @@ func start(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 
 	return nil
 }
-
-var images = map[string]bool{
-	"vulpemventures/bitcoin:latest":           true,
-	"vulpemventures/liquid:latest":            true,
-	"vulpemventures/electrs:latest":           true,
-	"vulpemventures/electrs-liquid:latest":    true,
-	"vulpemventures/esplora:latest":           true,
-	"vulpemventures/esplora-liquid:latest":    true,
-	"vulpemventures/nigiri-chopsticks:latest": true,
-}
-
-func copyResources(datadir string) error {
-	defaultDatadir := getDefaultDir()
-	cmd := exec.Command("cp", "-R", filepath.Join(defaultDatadir, "resources"), datadir)
-	return cmd.Run()
-
-}
-
-func nigiriExists(listAll bool) (bool, error) {
-	cli, err := client.NewEnvClient()
-	if err != nil {
-		return false, err
-	}
-
-	containers, err := cli.ContainerList(context.Background(), types.ContainerListOptions{All: listAll})
-	if err != nil {
-		return false, err
-	}
-
-	for _, container := range containers {
-		if images[container.Image] {
-			return true, nil
-		}
-	}
-
-	return false, nil
-}
-
-func isNetworkOk(network string) bool {
-	var ok bool
-	for _, n := range []string{"regtest"} {
-		if network == n {
-			ok = true
-		}
-	}
-
-	return ok
-}
-
-func isDatadirOk(datadir string) bool {
-	return filepath.IsAbs(datadir)
-}
-
-func isEnvOk(stringifiedJSON string) bool {
-	var parsedJSON map[string]map[string]int
-	err := json.Unmarshal([]byte(stringifiedJSON), &parsedJSON)
-	if err != nil {
-		return false
-	}
-
-	if len(parsedJSON) <= 0 {
-		return false
-	}
-	if len(parsedJSON["bitcoin"]) <= 0 {
-		return false
-	}
-	if parsedJSON["bitcoin"]["node"] <= 0 &&
-		parsedJSON["bitcoin"]["electrs"] <= 0 &&
-		parsedJSON["bitcoin"]["esplora"] <= 0 &&
-		parsedJSON["bitcoin"]["chopsticks"] <= 0 {
-		return false
-	}
-
-	if len(parsedJSON["liquid"]) > 0 &&
-		parsedJSON["liquid"]["node"] <= 0 &&
-		parsedJSON["liquid"]["electrs"] <= 0 &&
-		parsedJSON["liquid"]["esplora"] <= 0 &&
-		parsedJSON["liquid"]["chopsticks"] <= 0 {
-		return false
-	}
-
-	return true
-}
-
-func getPath(datadir, t string) string {
-	viper := config.Viper()
-
-	if t == "compose" {
-		network := viper.GetString("network")
-		attachLiquid := viper.GetBool("attachLiquid")
-		if attachLiquid {
-			network += "-liquid"
-		}
-		return filepath.Join(datadir, "resources", fmt.Sprintf("docker-compose-%s.yml", network))
-	}
-
-	if t == "env" {
-		return filepath.Join(datadir, ".env")
-	}
-
-	if t == "config" {
-		return filepath.Join(datadir, "nigiri.config.json")
-	}
-
-	return ""
-}
-
-func nigiriIsRunning() (bool, error) {
-	listOnlyRunningContainers := !listAll
-	return nigiriExists(listOnlyRunningContainers)
-}
-
-func nigiriExistsAndNotRunning() (bool, error) {
-	return nigiriExists(listAll)
-}
-
-func getStartBashCmd(datadir string) (*exec.Cmd, error) {
-	composePath := getPath(datadir, "compose")
-	envPath := getPath(datadir, "env")
-	env := loadEnv(envPath)
-
-	bashCmd := exec.Command("docker-compose", "-f", composePath, "up", "-d")
-
-	isStopped, err := nigiriExistsAndNotRunning()
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-	if isStopped {
-		bashCmd = exec.Command("docker-compose", "-f", composePath, "start")
-	}
-	bashCmd.Stdout = os.Stdout
-	bashCmd.Stderr = os.Stderr
-	bashCmd.Env = env
-
-	return bashCmd, nil
-}
-
-func writeComposeEnvFile(path string, stringifiedJSON string) error {
-	defaultJSON, _ := json.Marshal(defaultPorts)
-	env := map[string]map[string]int{}
-	json.Unmarshal([]byte(stringifiedJSON), &env)
-
-	if stringifiedJSON != string(defaultJSON) {
-		env = mergeComposeEnvFiles([]byte(stringifiedJSON))
-	}
-
-	fileContent := ""
-	for chain, services := range env {
-		for k, v := range services {
-			fileContent += fmt.Sprintf("%s_%s_PORT=%d\n", strings.ToUpper(chain), strings.ToUpper(k), v)
-		}
-	}
-
-	return ioutil.WriteFile(path, []byte(fileContent), os.ModePerm)
-}
-
-func readComposeEnvFile(path string) (map[string]map[string]int, error) {
-	file, err := os.Open(path)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-	defer file.Close()
-
-	scanner := bufio.NewScanner(file)
-	scanner.Split(bufio.ScanLines)
-
-	ports := map[string]map[string]int{
-		"bitcoin": map[string]int{},
-		"liquid":  map[string]int{},
-	}
-	// Each line is in the format PREFIX_SERVICE_NAME_SUFFIX=value
-	// PREFIX is either 'BITCOIN' or 'LIQUID', while SUFFIX is always 'PORT'
-	for scanner.Scan() {
-		line := scanner.Text()
-		splitLine := strings.Split(line, "=")
-		key := splitLine[0]
-		value, _ := strconv.Atoi(splitLine[1])
-		chain := "bitcoin"
-		if strings.HasPrefix(key, strings.ToUpper("liquid")) {
-			chain = "liquid"
-		}
-
-		suffix := "_PORT"
-		prefix := strings.ToUpper(fmt.Sprintf("%s_", chain))
-		trimmedKey := strings.ToLower(strings.TrimSuffix(strings.TrimPrefix(key, prefix), suffix))
-		ports[chain][trimmedKey] = value
-	}
-
-	return ports, nil
-}
-
-func mergeComposeEnvFiles(rawJSON []byte) map[string]map[string]int {
-	newPorts := map[string]map[string]int{}
-	json.Unmarshal(rawJSON, &newPorts)
-
-	mergedPorts := map[string]map[string]int{}
-	for chain, services := range defaultPorts {
-		mergedPorts[chain] = make(map[string]int)
-		for name, port := range services {
-			newPort := newPorts[chain][name]
-			if newPort > 0 && newPort != port {
-				mergedPorts[chain][name] = newPort
-			} else {
-				mergedPorts[chain][name] = port
-			}
-		}
-	}
-
-	return mergedPorts
-}
-
-func loadEnv(path string) []string {
-	content, _ := ioutil.ReadFile(path)
-	lines := strings.Split(string(content), "\n")
-	env := os.Environ()
-	for _, line := range lines {
-		if line != "" {
-			env = append(env, line)
-		}
-	}
-
-	return env
-}
diff --git a/cli/cmd/start_stop_test.go b/cli/cmd/start_stop_test.go
index ae3a10c..5cff502 100644
--- a/cli/cmd/start_stop_test.go
+++ b/cli/cmd/start_stop_test.go
@@ -3,6 +3,9 @@ package cmd
 import (
 	"fmt"
 	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/vulpemventures/nigiri/cli/constants"
+	"github.com/vulpemventures/nigiri/cli/controller"
 )
 
 const (
@@ -37,7 +40,7 @@ func TestStartStopBitcoin(t *testing.T) {
 }
 
 func TestStopBeforeStartShouldFail(t *testing.T) {
-	expectedError := "Nigiri is neither running nor stopped, please create it first"
+	expectedError := constants.ErrNigiriNotRunning.Error()
 
 	err := testCommand("stop", "", !delete)
 	if err == nil {
@@ -47,6 +50,7 @@ func TestStopBeforeStartShouldFail(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("Expected error: %s, got: %s", expectedError, err)
 	}
 
+	expectedError = constants.ErrNigiriNotExisting.Error()
 	err = testCommand("stop", "", delete)
 	if err == nil {
 		t.Fatal("Should return error when trying to delete before starting")
@@ -57,7 +61,7 @@ func TestStopBeforeStartShouldFail(t *testing.T) {
 }
 
 func TestStartAfterStartShouldFail(t *testing.T) {
-	expectedError := "Nigiri is already running, please stop it first"
+	expectedError := constants.ErrNigiriAlreadyRunning.Error()
 
 	if err := testCommand("start", "", bitcoin); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
@@ -85,30 +89,48 @@ func TestStartAfterStartShouldFail(t *testing.T) {
 }
 
 func testStart(t *testing.T, flag bool) {
+	ctl, err := controller.NewController()
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
 	if err := testCommand("start", "", flag); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
-	if isRunning, _ := nigiriIsRunning(); !isRunning {
-		t.Fatal("Nigiri should be started but services have not been found among running containers")
+	if isRunning, err := ctl.IsNigiriRunning(); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	} else if !isRunning {
+		t.Fatal("Nigiri should have been started but services have not been found among running containers")
 	}
 }
 
 func testStop(t *testing.T) {
-	fmt.Println(!delete)
+	ctl, err := controller.NewController()
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
 	if err := testCommand("stop", "", !delete); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
-	if isStopped, _ := nigiriExistsAndNotRunning(); !isStopped {
-		t.Fatal("Nigiri should be stopped but services have not been found among stopped containers")
+	if isStopped, err := ctl.IsNigiriStopped(); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	} else if !isStopped {
+		t.Fatal("Nigiri should have been stopped but services have not been found among stopped containers")
 	}
 }
 
 func testDelete(t *testing.T) {
+	ctl, err := controller.NewController()
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
 	if err := testCommand("stop", "", delete); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
-	if isStopped, _ := nigiriExistsAndNotRunning(); isStopped {
-		t.Fatal("Nigiri should be terminated at this point but services have found among stopped containers")
+	if isStopped, err := ctl.IsNigiriStopped(); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	} else if isStopped {
+		t.Fatal("Nigiri should have been terminated at this point but services have been found among stopped containers")
 	}
 }
 
diff --git a/cli/cmd/stop.go b/cli/cmd/stop.go
index 5ad5110..b915727 100644
--- a/cli/cmd/stop.go
+++ b/cli/cmd/stop.go
@@ -2,13 +2,12 @@ package cmd
 
 import (
 	"fmt"
-	"io/ioutil"
 	"os"
 	"os/exec"
-	"path/filepath"
 
-	"github.com/vulpemventures/nigiri/cli/config"
 	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
+	"github.com/vulpemventures/nigiri/cli/constants"
+	"github.com/vulpemventures/nigiri/cli/controller"
 )
 
 var StopCmd = &cobra.Command{
@@ -20,24 +19,36 @@ var StopCmd = &cobra.Command{
 
 func stopChecks(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 	datadir, _ := cmd.Flags().GetString("datadir")
+	delete, _ := cmd.Flags().GetBool("delete")
 
-	if !isDatadirOk(datadir) {
-		return fmt.Errorf("Invalid datadir, it must be an absolute path: %s", datadir)
-	}
-
-	if _, err := os.Stat(datadir); os.IsNotExist(err) {
-		return fmt.Errorf("Datadir do not exists: %s", datadir)
-	}
-
-	nigiriExists, err := nigiriExistsAndNotRunning()
+	ctl, err := controller.NewController()
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-	if !nigiriExists {
-		return fmt.Errorf("Nigiri is neither running nor stopped, please create it first")
+
+	if err := ctl.ParseDatadir(datadir); err != nil {
+		return err
 	}
 
-	if err := config.ReadFromFile(datadir); err != nil {
+	if _, err := os.Stat(datadir); os.IsNotExist(err) {
+		return constants.ErrDatadirNotExisting
+	}
+
+	if isRunning, err := ctl.IsNigiriRunning(); err != nil {
+		return err
+	} else if !isRunning {
+		if delete {
+			if isStopped, err := ctl.IsNigiriStopped(); err != nil {
+				return err
+			} else if !isStopped {
+				return constants.ErrNigiriNotExisting
+			}
+		} else {
+			return constants.ErrNigiriNotRunning
+		}
+	}
+
+	if err := ctl.ReadConfigFile(datadir); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 	return nil
@@ -47,40 +58,15 @@ func stop(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 	delete, _ := cmd.Flags().GetBool("delete")
 	datadir, _ := cmd.Flags().GetString("datadir")
 
-	bashCmd := getStopBashCmd(datadir, delete)
-	if err := bashCmd.Run(); err != nil {
+	ctl, err := controller.NewController()
+	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 
-	if delete {
-		fmt.Println("Removing data from volumes...")
-		if err := cleanVolumes(datadir); err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-
-		configFile := getPath(datadir, "config")
-		envFile := getPath(datadir, "env")
-
-		fmt.Println("Removing configuration file...")
-		if err := os.Remove(configFile); err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-
-		fmt.Println("Removing environmet file...")
-		if err := os.Remove(envFile); err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-
-		fmt.Println("Nigiri has been cleaned up successfully.")
-	}
-
-	return nil
-}
-
-func getStopBashCmd(datadir string, delete bool) *exec.Cmd {
-	composePath := getPath(datadir, "compose")
-	envPath := getPath(datadir, "env")
-	env := loadEnv(envPath)
+	composePath := ctl.GetResourcePath(datadir, "compose")
+	configPath := ctl.GetResourcePath(datadir, "config")
+	envPath := ctl.GetResourcePath(datadir, "env")
+	env := ctl.LoadComposeEnvironment(envPath)
 
 	bashCmd := exec.Command("docker-compose", "-f", composePath, "stop")
 	if delete {
@@ -90,34 +76,27 @@ func getStopBashCmd(datadir string, delete bool) *exec.Cmd {
 	bashCmd.Stderr = os.Stderr
 	bashCmd.Env = env
 
-	return bashCmd
-}
-
-// cleanVolumes navigates into <datadir>/resources/volumes/<network>
-// and deletes all files and directories but the *.conf config files.
-func cleanVolumes(datadir string) error {
-	network := config.GetString(config.Network)
-	attachLiquid := config.GetBool(config.AttachLiquid)
-	if attachLiquid {
-		network = fmt.Sprintf("liquid%s", network)
-	}
-	volumedir := filepath.Join(datadir, "resources", "volumes", network)
-
-	subdirs, err := ioutil.ReadDir(volumedir)
-	if err != nil {
+	if err := bashCmd.Run(); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 
-	for _, d := range subdirs {
-		volumedir := filepath.Join(volumedir, d.Name())
-		subsubdirs, _ := ioutil.ReadDir(volumedir)
-		for _, sd := range subsubdirs {
-			if sd.IsDir() {
-				if err := os.RemoveAll(filepath.Join(volumedir, sd.Name())); err != nil {
-					return err
-				}
-			}
+	if delete {
+		fmt.Println("Removing data from volumes...")
+		if err := ctl.CleanResourceVolumes(datadir); err != nil {
+			return err
 		}
+
+		fmt.Println("Removing configuration file...")
+		if err := os.Remove(configPath); err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+
+		fmt.Println("Removing environmet file...")
+		if err := os.Remove(envPath); err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+
+		fmt.Println("Nigiri has been cleaned up successfully.")
 	}
 
 	return nil
diff --git a/cli/config/main.go b/cli/config/main.go
index fa71c74..54b2893 100644
--- a/cli/config/main.go
+++ b/cli/config/main.go
@@ -5,14 +5,7 @@ import (
 
 	homedir "github.com/mitchellh/go-homedir"
 	"github.com/spf13/viper"
-)
-
-const (
-	Datadir      = "datadir"
-	Network      = "network"
-	Filename     = "nigiri.config.json"
-	AttachLiquid = "attachLiquid"
-	Version      = "version"
+	"github.com/vulpemventures/nigiri/cli/constants"
 )
 
 var vip *viper.Viper
@@ -25,37 +18,43 @@ func init() {
 	setConfigFromDefaults(vip, defaults)
 }
 
-func Viper() *viper.Viper {
+type Config struct{}
+
+func (c *Config) Viper() *viper.Viper {
 	return vip
 }
 
-func ReadFromFile(path string) error {
-	vip.SetConfigFile(filepath.Join(path, Filename))
+func (c *Config) ReadFromFile(path string) error {
+	vip.SetConfigFile(filepath.Join(path, constants.Filename))
 	return vip.ReadInConfig()
 }
 
-func WriteConfig(path string) error {
+func (c *Config) WriteConfig(path string) error {
 	vip.SetConfigFile(path)
 	return vip.WriteConfig()
 }
 
-func GetString(str string) string {
+func (c *Config) GetString(str string) string {
 	return vip.GetString(str)
 }
 
-func GetBool(str string) bool {
+func (c *Config) GetBool(str string) bool {
 	return vip.GetBool(str)
 }
 
-func GetPath() string {
+func (c *Config) GetPath() string {
+	return getPath()
+}
+
+func getPath() string {
 	home, _ := homedir.Expand("~")
 	return filepath.Join(home, ".nigiri")
 }
 
 func newDefaultConfig(v *viper.Viper) {
-	v.SetDefault(Datadir, GetPath())
-	v.SetDefault(Network, "regtest")
-	v.SetDefault(AttachLiquid, false)
+	v.SetDefault(constants.Datadir, getPath())
+	v.SetDefault(constants.Network, "regtest")
+	v.SetDefault(constants.AttachLiquid, false)
 }
 
 func setConfigFromDefaults(v *viper.Viper, d *viper.Viper) {
diff --git a/cli/constants/constants.go b/cli/constants/constants.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..eb1a8a3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/cli/constants/constants.go
@@ -0,0 +1,66 @@
+package constants
+
+import (
+	"errors"
+)
+
+const (
+	// Datadir key in config json
+	Datadir = "datadir"
+	// Network key in config json
+	Network = "network"
+	// Filename key  in config json
+	Filename = "nigiri.config.json"
+	// AttachLiquid key in config json
+	AttachLiquid = "attachLiquid"
+	// Version key in config json
+	Version = "version"
+)
+
+var (
+	AvaliableNetworks = []string{"regtest"}
+	NigiriImages      = []string{
+		"vulpemventures/bitcoin:latest",
+		"vulpemventures/electrs:latest",
+		"vulpemventures/esplora:latest",
+		"vulpemventures/nigiri-chopsticks:latest",
+		"vulpemventures/liquid:latest",
+		"vulpemventures/electrs-liquid:latest",
+	}
+	DefaultEnv = map[string]interface{}{
+		"ports": map[string]map[string]int{
+			"bitcoin": map[string]int{
+				"node":        18433,
+				"esplora":     5000,
+				"electrs":     3002,
+				"electrs_rpc": 51401,
+				"chopsticks":  3000,
+			},
+			"liquid": map[string]int{
+				"node":        7041,
+				"esplora":     5001,
+				"electrs":     3012,
+				"electrs_rpc": 60401,
+				"chopsticks":  3001,
+			},
+		},
+		"urls": map[string]string{
+			"bitcoin_esplora": "http://localhost:3000",
+			"liquid_esplora":  "http://localhost:3001",
+		},
+	}
+
+	ErrInvalidNetwork         = errors.New("Network provided is not valid")
+	ErrInvalidDatadir         = errors.New("Datadir provided is not valid: it must be an absolute path")
+	ErrInvalidServiceName     = errors.New("Service provided is not valid")
+	ErrInvalidArgs            = errors.New("Invalid number of args")
+	ErrInvalidJSON            = errors.New("JSON environment provided is not valid: missing required fields")
+	ErrMalformedJSON          = errors.New("Failed to parse malformed JSON environment")
+	ErrEmptyJSON              = errors.New("JSON environment provided is not valid: it must not be empty")
+	ErrDatadirNotExisting     = errors.New("Datadir provided is not valid: it must be an existing path")
+	ErrNigiriNotRunning       = errors.New("Nigiri is not running")
+	ErrNigiriNotExisting      = errors.New("Nigiri does not exists, cannot delete")
+	ErrNigiriAlreadyRunning   = errors.New("Nigiri is already running, please stop it first")
+	ErrNigiriLiquidNotEnabled = errors.New("Nigiri has been started with no Liquid sidechain.\nPlease stop and restart it using the --liquid flag")
+	ErrDockerNotRunning       = errors.New("Nigiri requires the Docker daemon to be running, but it not seems to be started")
+)
diff --git a/cli/controller/controller.go b/cli/controller/controller.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bc7d7fd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/cli/controller/controller.go
@@ -0,0 +1,187 @@
+package controller
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"os/exec"
+	"path/filepath"
+
+	"github.com/vulpemventures/nigiri/cli/config"
+	"github.com/vulpemventures/nigiri/cli/constants"
+)
+
+var services = map[string]bool{
+	"node":       true,
+	"esplora":    true,
+	"electrs":    true,
+	"chopsticks": true,
+}
+
+// Controller implements useful functions to securely parse flags provided at run-time
+// and to interact with the resources used by Nigiri:
+//   	* docker
+//		* .env for docker-compose
+//		* nigiri.config.json config file
+type Controller struct {
+	config *config.Config
+	parser *Parser
+	docker *Docker
+	env    *Env
+}
+
+// NewController returns a new Controller instance or error
+func NewController() (*Controller, error) {
+	c := &Controller{}
+
+	dockerClient := &Docker{}
+	if err := dockerClient.New(); err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	c.env = &Env{}
+	c.parser = newParser(services)
+	c.docker = dockerClient
+	c.config = &config.Config{}
+	return c, nil
+}
+
+// ParseNetwork checks if a valid network has been provided
+func (c *Controller) ParseNetwork(network string) error {
+	return c.parser.parseNetwork(network)
+}
+
+// ParseDatadir checks if a valid datadir has been provided
+func (c *Controller) ParseDatadir(path string) error {
+	return c.parser.parseDatadir(path)
+}
+
+// ParseEnv checks if a valid JSON format for docker compose has been provided
+func (c *Controller) ParseEnv(env string) (string, error) {
+	return c.parser.parseEnvJSON(env)
+}
+
+// ParseServiceName checks if a valid service has been provided
+func (c *Controller) ParseServiceName(name string) error {
+	return c.parser.parseServiceName(name)
+}
+
+// IsNigiriRunning checks if nigiri is running by looking if the bitcoin
+// services are in the list of docker running containers
+func (c *Controller) IsNigiriRunning() (bool, error) {
+	if !c.docker.isDockerRunning() {
+		return false, constants.ErrDockerNotRunning
+	}
+	return c.docker.isNigiriRunning(), nil
+}
+
+// IsNigiriStopped checks that nigiri is not actually running and that
+// the bitcoin services appear in the list of non running containers
+func (c *Controller) IsNigiriStopped() (bool, error) {
+	if !c.docker.isDockerRunning() {
+		return false, constants.ErrDockerNotRunning
+	}
+	return c.docker.isNigiriStopped(), nil
+}
+
+// WriteComposeEnvironment creates a .env in datadir used by
+// the docker-compose YAML file resource
+func (c *Controller) WriteComposeEnvironment(datadir, env string) error {
+	return c.env.writeEnvForCompose(datadir, env)
+}
+
+// ReadComposeEnvironment reads from .env and returns it as a useful type
+func (c *Controller) ReadComposeEnvironment(datadir string) (map[string]interface{}, error) {
+	return c.env.readEnvForCompose(datadir)
+}
+
+// LoadComposeEnvironment returns an os.Environ created from datadir/.env resource
+func (c *Controller) LoadComposeEnvironment(datadir string) []string {
+	return c.env.load(datadir)
+}
+
+// WriteConfigFile writes the configuration handled by the underlying viper
+// into the file at filedir path
+func (c *Controller) WriteConfigFile(filedir string) error {
+	return c.config.WriteConfig(filedir)
+}
+
+// ReadConfigFile reads the configuration of the file at filedir path
+func (c *Controller) ReadConfigFile(filedir string) error {
+	return c.config.ReadFromFile(filedir)
+}
+
+// GetConfigBoolField returns a bool field of the config file
+func (c *Controller) GetConfigBoolField(field string) bool {
+	return c.config.GetBool(field)
+}
+
+// GetConfigStringField returns a string field of the config file
+func (c *Controller) GetConfigStringField(field string) string {
+	return c.config.GetString(field)
+}
+
+// NewDatadirFromDefault copies the default ~/.nigiri at the desidered path
+// and cleans the docker volumes to make a fresh Nigiri instance
+func (c *Controller) NewDatadirFromDefault(datadir string) error {
+	defaultDatadir := c.config.GetPath()
+	cmd := exec.Command("cp", "-R", filepath.Join(defaultDatadir, "resources"), datadir)
+	if err := cmd.Run(); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	c.CleanResourceVolumes(datadir)
+	return nil
+}
+
+// GetResourcePath returns the absolute path of the requested resource
+func (c *Controller) GetResourcePath(datadir, resource string) string {
+	if resource == "compose" {
+		network := c.config.GetString(constants.Network)
+		if c.config.GetBool(constants.AttachLiquid) {
+			network += "-liquid"
+		}
+		return filepath.Join(datadir, "resources", fmt.Sprintf("docker-compose-%s.yml", network))
+	}
+	if resource == "env" {
+		return filepath.Join(datadir, ".env")
+	}
+	if resource == "config" {
+		return filepath.Join(datadir, "nigiri.config.json")
+	}
+	return ""
+}
+
+// CleanResourceVolumes recursively deletes the content of the
+// docker volumes in the resource path
+func (c *Controller) CleanResourceVolumes(datadir string) error {
+	network := c.config.GetString(constants.Network)
+	attachLiquid := c.config.GetBool(constants.AttachLiquid)
+	if attachLiquid {
+		network = fmt.Sprintf("liquid%s", network)
+	}
+	volumedir := filepath.Join(datadir, "resources", "volumes", network)
+
+	return c.docker.cleanVolumes(volumedir)
+}
+
+// GetDefaultDatadir returns the absolute path of Nigiri default directory
+func (c *Controller) GetDefaultDatadir() string {
+	return c.config.GetPath()
+}
+
+// GetServiceName returns the right name of the requested service
+// If requesting a name for a Liquid service, then the suffix -liquid
+// is appended to the canonical name except for "node" that is mapped
+// to either "bitcoin" or "liquid"
+func (c *Controller) GetServiceName(name string, liquid bool) string {
+	service := name
+	if service == "node" {
+		service = "bitcoin"
+	}
+	if liquid {
+		if service == "bitcoin" {
+			service = "liquid"
+		} else {
+			service = fmt.Sprintf("%s-liquid", service)
+		}
+	}
+
+	return service
+}
diff --git a/cli/controller/docker.go b/cli/controller/docker.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3c8a16d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/cli/controller/docker.go
@@ -0,0 +1,101 @@
+package controller
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"io/ioutil"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"strings"
+
+	"github.com/docker/docker/api/types"
+	"github.com/docker/docker/client"
+	"github.com/vulpemventures/nigiri/cli/constants"
+)
+
+// Docker type handles interfaction with containers via docker and docker-compose
+type Docker struct {
+	cli *client.Client
+}
+
+// New initialize a new Docker handler
+func (d *Docker) New() error {
+	cli, err := client.NewEnvClient()
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	d.cli = cli
+	return nil
+}
+
+func (d *Docker) isDockerRunning() bool {
+	_, err := d.cli.ContainerList(context.Background(), types.ContainerListOptions{All: false})
+	if err != nil {
+		return false
+	}
+	return true
+}
+
+func (d *Docker) findNigiriContainers(listAllContainers bool) bool {
+	containers, _ := d.cli.ContainerList(context.Background(), types.ContainerListOptions{All: listAllContainers})
+
+	if len(containers) <= 0 {
+		return false
+	}
+
+	images := []string{}
+	for _, c := range containers {
+		images = append(images, c.Image)
+	}
+
+	for _, nigiriImage := range constants.NigiriImages {
+		// just check if services for bitcoin chain are up and running
+		if !strings.Contains(nigiriImage, "liquid") {
+			if !contains(images, nigiriImage) {
+				return false
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return true
+}
+
+func (d *Docker) isNigiriRunning() bool {
+	return d.findNigiriContainers(false)
+}
+
+func (d *Docker) isNigiriStopped() bool {
+	isRunning := d.isNigiriRunning()
+	if !isRunning {
+		return d.findNigiriContainers(true)
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
+func (d *Docker) cleanVolumes(path string) error {
+	subdirs, err := ioutil.ReadDir(path)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	for _, d := range subdirs {
+		path := filepath.Join(path, d.Name())
+		subsubdirs, _ := ioutil.ReadDir(path)
+		for _, sd := range subsubdirs {
+			if sd.IsDir() {
+				if err := os.RemoveAll(filepath.Join(path, sd.Name())); err != nil {
+					return err
+				}
+			}
+		}
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}
+
+func contains(list []string, elem string) bool {
+	for _, l := range list {
+		if l == elem {
+			return true
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}
diff --git a/cli/controller/env.go b/cli/controller/env.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c319c46
--- /dev/null
+++ b/cli/controller/env.go
@@ -0,0 +1,124 @@
+package controller
+
+import (
+	"bufio"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+	"io/ioutil"
+	"os"
+	"strconv"
+	"strings"
+
+	"github.com/vulpemventures/nigiri/cli/constants"
+)
+
+// Env implements functions for interacting with the environment file used by
+// docker-compose to dynamically set service ports and variables
+type Env struct{}
+
+func (e *Env) writeEnvForCompose(path, strJSON string) error {
+	var env map[string]interface{}
+	err := json.Unmarshal([]byte(strJSON), &env)
+	if err != nil {
+		return constants.ErrMalformedJSON
+	}
+
+	fileContent := ""
+	for chain, services := range env["ports"].(map[string]interface{}) {
+		for k, v := range services.(map[string]interface{}) {
+			fileContent += fmt.Sprintf("%s_%s_PORT=%d\n", strings.ToUpper(chain), strings.ToUpper(k), int(v.(float64)))
+		}
+	}
+	for hostname, url := range env["urls"].(map[string]interface{}) {
+		fileContent += fmt.Sprintf("%s_URL=%s\n", strings.ToUpper(hostname), url.(string))
+	}
+
+	return ioutil.WriteFile(path, []byte(fileContent), os.ModePerm)
+}
+
+func (e *Env) readEnvForCompose(path string) (map[string]interface{}, error) {
+	file, err := os.Open(path)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	defer file.Close()
+
+	scanner := bufio.NewScanner(file)
+	scanner.Split(bufio.ScanLines)
+
+	ports := map[string]map[string]int{
+		"bitcoin": map[string]int{},
+		"liquid":  map[string]int{},
+	}
+	urls := map[string]string{}
+	// Each line is in the format PREFIX_SERVICE_NAME_SUFFIX=value
+	// PREFIX is either 'BITCOIN' or 'LIQUID', while SUFFIX is either 'PORT' or 'URL'
+	for scanner.Scan() {
+		line := scanner.Text()
+		splitLine := strings.Split(line, "=")
+		key := splitLine[0]
+
+		if strings.Contains(key, "PORT") {
+			value, _ := strconv.Atoi(splitLine[1])
+			chain := "bitcoin"
+			if strings.HasPrefix(key, strings.ToUpper("liquid")) {
+				chain = "liquid"
+			}
+			prefix := strings.ToUpper(fmt.Sprintf("%s_", chain))
+			suffix := "_PORT"
+			trimmedKey := strings.ToLower(
+				strings.TrimSuffix(strings.TrimPrefix(key, prefix), suffix),
+			)
+			ports[chain][trimmedKey] = value
+		} else {
+			// Here the prefix is not trimmed
+			value := splitLine[1]
+			suffix := "_URL"
+			trimmedKey := strings.ToLower(strings.TrimSuffix(key, suffix))
+			urls[trimmedKey] = value
+		}
+	}
+
+	return map[string]interface{}{"ports": ports, "urls": urls}, nil
+}
+
+func (e *Env) load(path string) []string {
+	content, _ := ioutil.ReadFile(path)
+	lines := strings.Split(string(content), "\n")
+	env := os.Environ()
+	for _, line := range lines {
+		if line != "" {
+			env = append(env, line)
+		}
+	}
+
+	return env
+}
+
+type envPortsData struct {
+	Node       int `json:"node,omitempty"`
+	Esplora    int `json:"esplora,omitempty"`
+	Electrs    int `json:"electrs,omitempty"`
+	ElectrsRPC int `json:"electrs_rpc,omitempty"`
+	Chopsticks int `json:"chopsticks,omitempty"`
+}
+type envPorts struct {
+	Bitcoin *envPortsData `json:"bitcoin,omitempty"`
+	Liquid  *envPortsData `json:"liquid,omitempty"`
+}
+type envUrls struct {
+	BitcoinEsplora string `json:"bitcoin_esplora,omitempty"`
+	LiquidEsplora  string `json:"liquid_esplora,omitempty"`
+}
+type envJSON struct {
+	Ports *envPorts `json:"ports,omitempty"`
+	Urls  *envUrls  `json:"urls,omitempty"`
+}
+
+func (e envJSON) copy() envJSON {
+	var v envJSON
+	bytes, _ := json.Marshal(e)
+	json.Unmarshal(bytes, &v)
+
+	return v
+}
diff --git a/cli/controller/parser.go b/cli/controller/parser.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..aeb512f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/cli/controller/parser.go
@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+package controller
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+	"path/filepath"
+
+	"github.com/vulpemventures/nigiri/cli/constants"
+)
+
+// Parser implements functions for parsing flags, JSON files
+// and system directories passed to the CLI commands
+type Parser struct {
+	services map[string]bool
+}
+
+func newParser(services map[string]bool) *Parser {
+	p := &Parser{services}
+	return p
+}
+
+func (p *Parser) parseNetwork(network string) error {
+	for _, n := range constants.AvaliableNetworks {
+		if network == n {
+			return nil
+		}
+	}
+	return constants.ErrInvalidNetwork
+}
+
+func (p *Parser) parseDatadir(path string) error {
+	if !filepath.IsAbs(path) {
+		return constants.ErrInvalidDatadir
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+func (p *Parser) parseEnvJSON(strJSON string) (string, error) {
+	// merge default json and incoming json by parsing DefaultEnv to
+	// envJSON type and then parsing the incoming json using the same variable
+	var parsedJSON envJSON
+	defaultJSON, _ := json.Marshal(constants.DefaultEnv)
+	json.Unmarshal(defaultJSON, &parsedJSON)
+	err := json.Unmarshal([]byte(strJSON), &parsedJSON)
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Println(err)
+		return "", constants.ErrMalformedJSON
+	}
+	merged, _ := json.Marshal(parsedJSON)
+	return string(merged), nil
+}
+
+func (p *Parser) parseServiceName(name string) error {
+	if !p.services[name] {
+		return constants.ErrInvalidServiceName
+	}
+	return nil
+}
diff --git a/cli/controller/parser_test.go b/cli/controller/parser_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8acee1e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/cli/controller/parser_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,159 @@
+package controller
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"os"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/vulpemventures/nigiri/cli/constants"
+)
+
+func TestParserParseNetwork(t *testing.T) {
+	p := &Parser{}
+
+	validNetworks := []string{"regtest"}
+	for _, n := range validNetworks {
+		err := p.parseNetwork(n)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func TestParserParseDatadir(t *testing.T) {
+	p := &Parser{}
+
+	currentDir, _ := os.Getwd()
+	validDatadirs := []string{currentDir}
+	for _, n := range validDatadirs {
+		err := p.parseDatadir(n)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func TestParserParseEnvJSON(t *testing.T) {
+	p := &Parser{}
+
+	for _, e := range testJSONs {
+		parsedJSON, _ := json.Marshal(e)
+		mergedJSON, err := p.parseEnvJSON(string(parsedJSON))
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		t.Log(mergedJSON)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestParserParseNetworkShouldFail(t *testing.T) {
+	p := &Parser{}
+
+	invalidNetworks := []string{"simnet", "testnet"}
+	for _, n := range invalidNetworks {
+		err := p.parseNetwork(n)
+		if err == nil {
+			t.Fatalf("Should have been failed before")
+		}
+		if err != constants.ErrInvalidNetwork {
+			t.Fatalf("Got: %s, wanted: %s", err, constants.ErrInvalidNetwork)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func TestParserParseDatadirShouldFail(t *testing.T) {
+	p := &Parser{}
+
+	invalidDatadirs := []string{"."}
+	for _, d := range invalidDatadirs {
+		err := p.parseDatadir(d)
+		if err == nil {
+			t.Fatalf("Should have been failed before")
+		}
+		if err != constants.ErrInvalidDatadir {
+			t.Fatalf("Got: %s, wanted: %s", err, constants.ErrInvalidDatadir)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+var testJSONs = []map[string]interface{}{
+	// only btc services
+	{
+		"urls": map[string]string{
+			"bitcoin_esplora": "https://blockstream.info/",
+		},
+		"ports": map[string]map[string]int{
+			"bitcoin": map[string]int{
+				"node":       1111,
+				"esplora":    2222,
+				"electrs":    3333,
+				"chopsticks": 4444,
+			},
+		},
+	},
+	// btc and liquid services
+	{
+		"urls": map[string]string{
+			"bitcoin_esplora": "https://blockstream.info/",
+			"liquid_esplora":  "http://blockstream.info/liquid",
+		},
+		"ports": map[string]map[string]int{
+			"bitcoin": map[string]int{
+				"node":       1111,
+				"esplora":    2222,
+				"electrs":    3333,
+				"chopsticks": 4444,
+			},
+			"liquid": map[string]int{
+				"node":       5555,
+				"esplora":    6666,
+				"electrs":    7777,
+				"chopsticks": 8888,
+			},
+		},
+	},
+	// incomplete examples:
+	// incomplete bitcoin services
+	{
+		"ports": map[string]map[string]int{
+			"bitcoin": map[string]int{
+				"esplora":    1111,
+				"electrs":    2222,
+				"chopsticks": 3333,
+			},
+		},
+		"urls": map[string]string{
+			"bitcoin_esplora": "http://test.com/api",
+		},
+	},
+	// bitcoin services ports and liquid service url
+	{
+		"ports": map[string]map[string]int{
+			"bitcoin": map[string]int{
+				"node":       1111,
+				"esplora":    2222,
+				"electrs":    3333,
+				"chopsticks": 4444,
+			},
+		},
+		"urls": map[string]string{
+			"liquid_esplora": "http://test.com/liquid/api",
+		},
+	},
+	// liquid services ports and bitcoin service url
+	{
+		"ports": map[string]map[string]int{
+			"liquid": map[string]int{
+				"node":       1111,
+				"esplora":    2222,
+				"electrs":    3333,
+				"chopsticks": 4444,
+			},
+		},
+		"urls": map[string]string{
+			"bitcoin_esplora": "http://test.com/api",
+		},
+	},
+	// empty config
+	{},
+}
diff --git a/resources/docker-compose-regtest-liquid.yml b/resources/docker-compose-regtest-liquid.yml
index e51e18d..1d90f79 100644
--- a/resources/docker-compose-regtest-liquid.yml
+++ b/resources/docker-compose-regtest-liquid.yml
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ services:
       - bitcoin
     ports:
       - ${BITCOIN_ELECTRS_RPC_PORT}:60401
-      - 3002:3002
+      - ${BITCOIN_ELECTRS_PORT}:3002
     volumes:
       - ./volumes/liquidregtest/config/:/config
     restart: unless-stopped
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ services:
       - liquid
     ports:
       - ${LIQUID_ELECTRS_RPC_PORT}:60401
-      - 3022:3002
+      - ${LIQUID_ELECTRS_PORT}:3002
     volumes:
       - ./volumes/liquidregtest/liquid-config/:/config
     restart: unless-stopped
@@ -96,21 +96,25 @@ services:
       local:
         ipv4_address: 10.10.0.14
     links:
-      - electrs
+      - chopsticks
     depends_on:
-      - electrs
+      - chopsticks
+    environment:
+      API_URL: ${BITCOIN_ESPLORA_URL}
     ports:
       - ${BITCOIN_ESPLORA_PORT}:5000
     restart: unless-stopped
   esplora-liquid:
-    image: vulpemventures/esplora-liquid:latest
+    image: vulpemventures/esplora:latest
     networks:
       local:
         ipv4_address: 10.10.0.15
     links:
-      - electrs-liquid
+      - chopsticks-liquid
     depends_on:
-      - electrs-liquid
+      - chopsticks-liquid
+    environment:
+      API_URL: ${LIQUID_ESPLORA_URL}
     ports:
       - ${LIQUID_ESPLORA_PORT}:5000
     restart: unless-stopped
diff --git a/resources/docker-compose-regtest.yml b/resources/docker-compose-regtest.yml
index 57eefa8..b23b502 100644
--- a/resources/docker-compose-regtest.yml
+++ b/resources/docker-compose-regtest.yml
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ services:
       - bitcoin
     ports:
       - ${BITCOIN_ELECTRS_RPC_PORT}:60401
-      - 3002:3002
+      - ${BITCOIN_ELECTRS_PORT}:3002
     volumes:
       - ./volumes/regtest/config/:/config
     restart: unless-stopped
@@ -52,9 +52,11 @@ services:
       local:
         ipv4_address: 10.10.0.12
     links:
-      - electrs
+      - chopsticks
     depends_on:
-      - electrs
+      - chopsticks
+    environment:
+      API_URL: ${BITCOIN_ESPLORA_URL}
     ports:
       - ${BITCOIN_ESPLORA_PORT}:5000
     restart: unless-stopped