Full Node

A full node is a computer that downloads a blockchain's entire transaction history and independently verifies every block and transaction against the network's rules. Unlike a wallet that trusts someone else's server, a full node checks signatures, balances and consensus rules for itself, so it cannot be fooled into accepting invalid coins or a rewritten history. Running one requires meaningful disk space and bandwidth, and on large chains the database grows continuously. Full nodes do not necessarily produce blocks — that is the job of miners or validators — but they relay data, serve lighter clients and enforce the rules by rejecting anything that breaks them. The more independent full nodes exist, the harder the network is to capture.