Clear DefinitionsValidator
1 min read
Pronunciation
[val-uh-day-tur]
Analogy
A validator is like a notary public: they verify transactions, seal blocks, and vouch for their authenticity in exchange for a fee.
Definition
A network participant in PoS or similar consensus who proposes and attests to new blocks, ensuring the integrity and liveness of the blockchain.
Key Points Intro
Validators maintain network health by:
Key Points
Block proposal: Create new blocks when selected.
Attestation: Vote on validity of other blocks.
Stake bond: Lock collateral subject to slashing rules.
Reward/penalty: Earn rewards for uptime; penalized for faults.
Example
Technical Deep Dive
Validators run full nodes with consensus software. A pseudo‑random algorithm selects proposers weighted by stake. Upon block creation, validators broadcast attestations. The protocol aggregates attestations into checkpoints; finalized via supermajority thresholds. Misbehavior (double-signing, downtime) triggers slashing smart contracts.
Security Warning
Validator private keys must be kept offline or in HSMs; exposure leads to slashing and loss of revenue.
Caveat
Running a reliable validator requires technical expertise and operational infrastructure.
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