GlossaryBeginner
Node
A computer that runs blockchain software and helps maintain the network.
A node is any computer running the software of a blockchain network. Nodes keep a copy of the ledger, relay transactions to other nodes, and check that new transactions and blocks follow the network's rules.
Networks can have thousands of independent nodes run by different people and organizations around the world. The more widely distributed the nodes are, the harder it generally is for any single party to control or alter the network.
Examples
- Anyone can typically download and run node software to participate in a public blockchain network.
- A full node stores the entire transaction history, while a lighter node may only track recent data.