Node
A node is a computer or software instance that participates in a blockchain network by storing, validating, relaying, or serving network data.
✦ Key Insight
Understanding the term helps readers diagnose transactions, compare blockchain designs, and understand network costs, security, and scalability.
✕ Common Misconceptions
Implementation details differ across networks. Confirm the chain-specific rules before applying assumptions from another blockchain.
Detailed Explanation
In Practice
Dig Deeper
Node
A node is a computer or software instance that participates in a blockchain network by storing, validating, relaying, or serving network data.
Blockchain
A shared, append-only record of transactions maintained by many independent computers at once.
Transaction
A blockchain transaction is a signed or authorized instruction that changes blockchain state or transfers value when accepted by the network.
Consensus
Consensus is the process and rule set by which distributed blockchain participants agree on valid state and transaction history.