A blockchain node serves several critical functions within a blockchain network, primarily focusing on maintaining the network's integrity, security, and consensus.
Primary Functions of a Blockchain Node
Transaction Validation: Nodes are responsible for validating each transaction that occurs on the blockchain. This validation process includes checking the legitimacy of transactions to prevent issues such as double-spending and ensuring that the transactions adhere to the network's rules[1][2][3][4][5][6][7].
Maintaining Consensus: Nodes work collectively to achieve consensus on the blockchain's state. This is crucial in a decentralized system where there is no central authority to dictate or arbitrate the state of the ledger. Nodes use consensus algorithms (like Proof of Work or Proof of Stake) to agree on the validity of batches of transactions (blocks), which are then added to the blockchain[1][2][3][4][5][6][7].
Security: By participating in the validation and consensus processes, nodes help secure the blockchain network. The decentralized nature of a blockchain means that the more nodes there are, the more secure the network is against attacks such as hacking or fraudulent alterations to the ledger[1][2][3][4][5][6][7].
Data Propagation: Nodes also play a key role in the propagation of data across the blockchain network. They communicate with each other to spread transactions and blocks to other nodes. This ensures that all nodes in the network maintain an up-to-date and synchronized copy of the blockchain[1][2][3][4][5][6][7].
Accessibility and Transparency: Nodes store the history of all transactions that have occurred on the blockchain, making this data accessible to other nodes and, by exte...
