Running a full node vs running with "prune mode" enabled

[achow101]

Another question, why was this method of "pruning" chosen? Why does it just keep track of the last X amount of blocks?

This seems like an awkward implementation because it doesn't actually help anything directly, and just leaves a huge gap in the blockchain.

It would work without keeping any of the blockchain. After it verifies the blocks there really is no need for the blockchain. It keeps those blocks in case of blockchain reorgs.

Wouldn't it be more effective to prune by following the coins from the blocks they were mined from?

I.E. Keeping a record of where the coin was mined and where it is currently.

This is pruning at the node level, not shrinking the blockchain which is what you are suggesting. And at the protocol level, there is no such thing as a "coin", it is all inputs and outputs so such an idea does not work.

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[calkob]

I think those who will run this pruned mode would not have run a full node anyway. This new feature might actually pull more people running SPV wallets or web wallets into running pruned nodes. Security of the network will not be impacted much.

I think your right, i run a full node because i enjoy knowing i am contributing to the network,  i think anyone who runs a pruned node wouldn't have bothered with a full node anyway. 

[Jet Cash]

Some of us will run more than one computer with up-to-date cores on them. It will depend on the circumstances of the moment. ie. are you at home, or in McDonalds. Maybe you are in a nature park filming wildlife, and doing some domain name trading while you wait for some event.

[bill gator]

Another question, why was this method of "pruning" chosen? Why does it just keep track of the last X amount of blocks?

This seems like an awkward implementation because it doesn't actually help anything directly, and just leaves a huge gap in the blockchain.

It would work without keeping any of the blockchain. After it verifies the blocks there really is no need for the blockchain. It keeps those blocks in case of blockchain reorgs.

Wouldn't it be more effective to prune by following the coins from the blocks they were mined from?

I.E. Keeping a record of where the coin was mined and where it is currently.

This is pruning at the node level, not shrinking the blockchain which is what you are suggesting. And at the protocol level, there is no such thing as a "coin", it is all inputs and outputs so such an idea does not work.

Ok, thanks for the further explanation. Things are a little clearer now.. I've been doing my best to learn more about the "technical" side of bitcoin, and so far the community has been wonderful for it.

[btc_enigma]

Block pruning was introduced with 0.11.0, you can run a pruned node right now if you wanted to.  There is no security compromise here, but you lose some functionality in not having the entire block chain stored at your node.  If you have HD space to spare and a decent internet connection there's really no reason to run in pruned mode.

You still have to d/l the entire 40GB+ blockchain the first time you install before it can be pruned, so starting a pruned node will still take some time, but once it's pruned you don't need to keep all the data.

Here's some good reading for you: https://news.bitcoin.com/pros-and-cons-on-bitcoin-block-pruning/

Keep in mind that a pruned mode can currently not offer a wallet and it does not relay blocks. It is thus no help to SPV clients or at least thats my understanding of SPV. A pruned node will just relay transactions.

Why does it not relay blocks ? It can relay blocks that it has. Only the pruned blocks it cannot relay.

[rupy]

But how does importprivkey work with pruning?!

[CIYAM]

But how does importprivkey work with pruning?!

I'm not sure if that command is even allowed when running in prune mode but if it is allowed then it would only be permitted for adding a new (never used before) address (same would apply to importaddress also).

[longbob72]

importing private keys without rescanning the blockchain is possible by entering _{importprivkey [key] [label] false} . but you probably shouldn't import a used address.

[rupy]

Cool, exactly my use case, adding new addresses!