Glossary

Node

Plain-language definition Crypto glossary

Key takeaways

A node is a computer running a blockchain's software, participating in the network by storing the ledger, relaying data, and checking that transactions and blocks follow the rules.
A full node keeps a complete, independently verified copy of the blockchain and rejects anything invalid, while lighter nodes store only part of the data and rely on full nodes for the rest.
The more independent nodes a network has, the harder it is to censor or rewrite, so a healthy spread of nodes is a core measure of how decentralized a blockchain really is.

Definition

A node is a computer running a blockchain’s software, participating in the network by storing the ledger, relaying data and checking that transactions and blocks follow the rules.

How it works

A full node keeps a complete, independently verified copy of the blockchain and rejects anything invalid, enforcing the network’s rules without trusting anyone else. Lighter nodes store only part of the data and rely on full nodes for the rest. Validators or miners are nodes that also produce new blocks, but most nodes simply verify and relay.

Why it matters

The more independent nodes a network has, the harder it is to censor or rewrite, because each one enforces the rules for itself. A healthy spread of nodes is a core measure of how decentralized a blockchain really is.

Example

Running your own full node lets you verify your transactions directly instead of trusting a third party’s view of the chain.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a full node and a validator?

A full node keeps a complete copy of the blockchain and verifies that everything follows the rules, but most nodes simply verify and relay. Validators, or miners, are nodes that additionally produce new blocks, taking on the extra role of extending the chain.

Why do nodes matter for decentralization?

Each independent node enforces the network's rules for itself and rejects anything invalid, so the more nodes there are, the harder the network is to censor or rewrite. A healthy, widespread set of nodes is a core measure of how decentralized a blockchain really is.

Why would someone run their own node?

Running your own full node lets you verify your transactions directly instead of trusting a third party's view of the chain. It gives you an independently checked copy of the ledger and strengthens the network's decentralization.