What is a NODE

[cramved]

Could someone explain to me what a bitcoin network node is and what it does in layman's terms?

[notlist3d]

The most basic I can think of is they keep the blockchain going. The more nodes the more security for BTC.   

With a little googling here is a little more in depth: https://bitcoin.org/en/full-node#what-is-a-full-node

[cramved]

The most basic I can think of is they keep the blockchain going. The more nodes the more security for BTC.   

With a little googling here is a little more in depth: https://bitcoin.org/en/full-node#what-is-a-full-node

So it is kinda like a server that host the bitcoin network? Thanks for the link btw.

[notlist3d]

The most basic I can think of is they keep the blockchain going. The more nodes the more security for BTC.   

With a little googling here is a little more in depth: https://bitcoin.org/en/full-node#what-is-a-full-node

So it is kinda like a server that host the bitcoin network? Thanks for the link btw.

Not a problem at all.

In a way yes.  They keep the history or the blockchain from beginning of bitcoin to present.   When you spend BTC it is broadcast to these nodes that make sure it is a valid transaction.  Valid meaning the address really does have BTC to send, and also that they are not sending it to multiple places at once (double spend).

This is part of the reason you wait on conformations with sending BTC.  It slowly moves through the nodes.

[cramved]

The most basic I can think of is they keep the blockchain going. The more nodes the more security for BTC.   

With a little googling here is a little more in depth: https://bitcoin.org/en/full-node#what-is-a-full-node

So it is kinda like a server that host the bitcoin network? Thanks for the link btw.

Not a problem at all.

In a way yes.  They keep the history or the blockchain from beginning of bitcoin to present.   When you spend BTC it is broadcast to these nodes that make sure it is a valid transaction.  Valid meaning the address really does have BTC to send, and also that they are not sending it to multiple places at once (double spend).

This is part of the reason you wait on conformations with sending BTC.  It slowly moves through the nodes.

So when you have a local wallet with the block chain on it is your pc becoming a node? or is it just so you have the option of making the node in the future?

[notlist3d]

The most basic I can think of is they keep the blockchain going. The more nodes the more security for BTC.   

With a little googling here is a little more in depth: https://bitcoin.org/en/full-node#what-is-a-full-node

So it is kinda like a server that host the bitcoin network? Thanks for the link btw.

Not a problem at all.

In a way yes.  They keep the history or the blockchain from beginning of bitcoin to present.   When you spend BTC it is broadcast to these nodes that make sure it is a valid transaction.  Valid meaning the address really does have BTC to send, and also that they are not sending it to multiple places at once (double spend).

This is part of the reason you wait on conformations with sending BTC.  It slowly moves through the nodes.

So when you have a local wallet with the block chain on it is your pc becoming a node? or is it just so you have the option of making the node in the future?

If you are running a full client then yes.  Light wallets don't become nodes.

[cramved]

Thanks for the help on guiding me through my bitcoin journey I really appreciate it!   

Should I lock this thread now or keep it open incase other people have questions?

[lyth0s]

A full node is basically running the Bitcoin Core wallet. It's purpose is to create more connections within the bitcoin network and it maintains the full ledger (full blockchain) for verification purposes. You can even run a full node on your home pc to help support the strength of the network.

As an added benefit bitnodes has an incentive program where they make bitcoin payouts in a lottery style fashion to operating reachable full nodes: https://getaddr.bitnodes.io/nodes/incentive/

[emrebey]

check out this article for a friendly explanation.

[redsn0w]

The most basic I can think of is they keep the blockchain going. The more nodes the more security for BTC.   

With a little googling here is a little more in depth: https://bitcoin.org/en/full-node#what-is-a-full-node

So it is kinda like a server that host the bitcoin network? Thanks for the link btw.

Not a problem at all.

In a way yes.  They keep the history or the blockchain from beginning of bitcoin to present.   When you spend BTC it is broadcast to these nodes that make sure it is a valid transaction.  Valid meaning the address really does have BTC to send, and also that they are not sending it to multiple places at once (double spend).

This is part of the reason you wait on conformations with sending BTC.  It slowly moves through the nodes.

So when you have a local wallet with the block chain on it is your pc becoming a node? or is it just so you have the option of making the node in the future?

If you are running a full client then yes.  Light wallets don't become nodes.

You should also allow >8 connection (open the TCP port 8333) to your "node" to become a valid &full operative bitcoin node. See this 2 topics for more information :

- https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=128122.0
- https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=938828.0

[Amph]

it's very simply, nothing more than running your client, you will create a node , which is basically your ip

they are used in config file to speed up the connection for synching

[zvs]

here, use this:

http://lowendbox.com/blog/crissic-2-year-anniversary-13year-512mb-openvz-3month-512mb-kvm/#more-6669

OVZ2048

run your very own node, waste $48 a year, to help improve bitcoin security, for asic manufacturers

[Kimowa]

A node is basically just a connection to the network bitcoin or any other coin network.