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Analyzing Market
Glossary

Node

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.

Node: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a full node and a light node?
A full node keeps a complete, independently verified copy of the blockchain and enforces all the rules itself, rejecting anything invalid without trusting others. A light node stores only part of the data and relies on full nodes for the rest. Full nodes provide stronger, self-sovereign verification, while light nodes trade some of that for lower resource requirements.
Do all nodes mine or produce blocks?
No. Validators or miners are nodes that also produce new blocks, but most nodes simply verify and relay transactions and blocks. A node can fully participate in checking and enforcing the rules without ever creating blocks. Block production is one specialized role; independent verification is the more common and foundational function of a node.
Why does running my own node matter?
Running your own full node lets you verify your transactions directly instead of trusting a third party's view of the chain. Collectively, 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.
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