Nodes and Mining

BlockDAG operates as a distributed network of interconnected nodes, each running specialized software to verify blocks and transaction data. These nodes ensure the security, transparency, and integrity of the BlockDAG ecosystem by continuously validating and propagating transactions across the network. To participate as a node in BlockDAG, users must run the necessary software on their computers, transforming them into active participants in the network.

Prerequisites

You should understand the concept of a peer-to-peer network and the basics of blockDAG before diving deeper and running your own instance of an Ethereum client. Take a look at our introduction to blockDAG.

If you're new to the topic of nodes, we recommend first checking out our user-friendly introduction on Testnet node setup.

What are nodes and clients?

A node in BlockDAG refers to any instance of BlockDAG client software that connects with other nodes, collectively forming a decentralized network. A client is an implementation of BlockDAG that verifies data against protocol rules, ensuring network security and integrity. To function effectively, a BlockDAG node must operate two core clients:

1. Execution Client: This component listens to incoming transactions broadcast across the network, executes them within the BlockDAG environment, and maintains the latest state and database of all transactions and smart contracts. It serves as the engine that processes and validates transactions within the network.

2. Consensus Client: Responsible for implementing the Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus mechanism, this client ensures that the network reaches agreement on transaction history based on validated data from the execution client.

Additionally, a node can integrate a "mining component", which enables it to participate in securing the network by solving cryptographic puzzles and appending new blocks to the ledger. By running a full BlockDAG node, users contribute to the decentralization, security, and efficiency of the ecosystem, ensuring a trustless and scalable blockchain infrastructure.