In this article, we will try to answer the questions of what is a node and why we should install a node. In order to understand the concept of node, which is considered one of the cornerstones of revolutionary blockchain technology, we need to explain the concept of decentralization.

In its simplest definition, decentralization; Instead of a single central authority approving transactions in a database, there are many transaction approvers. As a result of the search for trust, multiple people keeping transaction records creates a decentralized structure.

Within this structure, the devices that keep track of the data and provide the task of recording and distributing information about the transactions taking place are called nodes.

Functions of Node

Interconnected nodes exchange information among themselves and reach consensus about the transactions taking place on the network. They keep a copy of these transactions. They reject invalid transactions and contribute to the network in preventing errors such as double spending.

Why Should We Install Node?

A single node can run a blockchain and confirm transactions. But this network; It will be vulnerable in situations such as power outages, hacker attacks and system failures, and transactions will not be possible on the network.

For this reason, we can say that the more nodes installed in a network, the more reliable and decentralized the relevant network is. In such a case, malicious people will be prevented from changing the data on the network or adding transactions for their own benefit. The first obstacles that come to mind are the lack of a direct financial incentive for running a node and the cost of running the computer to be connected to the network.

As a result, nodes are needed for every transaction to be made in a network. Wallet applications such as Metamask, which we frequently use, actually send our transactions to the network by running nodes connected to the system, and we carry out our transactions by trusting these nodes. For this reason, if we set up our own node and connect to the network, we do not have to trust anyone and contribute to confirming the transactions in the network.

#node  #metamask  #blockchain  #blockchain  #decentralization