Full Node

A full node is a computer that fully participates in a blockchain network by downloading and storing the entire blockchain and validating all transactions and blocks. Full nodes enforce the rules of the blockchain protocol, ensuring that only valid transactions are added to the chain. By doing so, they help maintain the security, decentralization, and transparency of the network. Full nodes are essential for decentralized networks like Bitcoin and Ethereum, as they distribute the responsibility of verifying transactions across many independent participants.

Running a full node requires significant computational resources and storage space, as it involves maintaining a complete copy of the blockchain. While not every user runs a full node, those who do contribute to the network's resilience and security, helping to decentralize control and reduce reliance on centralized validators.