Crypto Dictionary
Full Node
Definition
A node that stores the entire blockchain history.
Deep Dive
A full node is a type of blockchain node that downloads and stores a complete copy of the entire blockchain's history, from the genesis block to the most recent one. This includes every single transaction that has ever occurred on the network. By possessing this comprehensive record, a full node can independently verify the authenticity and validity of all past and current transactions and blocks according to the network's consensus rules, without needing to trust any third party.
Examples & Use Cases
- 1Running Bitcoin Core on a dedicated server to contribute to network security
- 2An institution or developer running an archival Ethereum node to access comprehensive historical data
- 3A cryptocurrency wallet that syncs with a full node to independently verify transaction history.
Related Terms
NodeLight NodeBlockchainDecentralizationArchival Node