A light node is a participant in a blockchain network that stores only part of the blockchain’s data, not the entire history. While full nodes keep the whole chain and check every transaction, light nodes only keep the most important information. This makes them smaller and easier to use, especially on devices like smartphones or laptops.
In a blockchain, nodes are computers or software that connect to the network and share data. Light nodes are part of this system but do not keep the full ledger. They only download block headers, which are summaries that link blocks together. This lets them check if a transaction is in the blockchain without storing all past transactions.
Since light nodes store less data, they rely on full nodes for extra details when needed. If a light node needs to check something, it asks one or more full nodes for information and uses the block headers to confirm the answer.
Light nodes use a method called Simplified Payment Verification, or SPV. This lets them confirm a transaction by checking block headers and verifying cryptographic proofs that link transactions to certain blocks. They do not download every transaction or do full validation.
Light nodes download much less data, so they use less storage and computing power. This makes them a good choice for devices with limited resources. Many wallet apps that people use to send and receive cryptocurrency work as light nodes.
Full nodes keep a complete copy of the blockchain, including every block and transaction ever made. They check all details themselves and enforce the network’s rules. Light nodes do not verify everything and instead depend on full nodes for deeper checks.
Since light nodes only keep the most important parts of the chain, they cannot fully check all the network’s rules by themselves. This trade-off lets them use fewer resources, but they are less independent than full nodes.
Light nodes are easier to run and maintain. They require much less storage and processing power than full nodes, so they can operate on devices that do not have advanced hardware. This makes it easier for more people to interact with a blockchain without needing servers or large setups.
Because of their simplicity, light nodes help bring blockchain access to normal users and smaller devices. Many mobile wallets and apps connect to full nodes in the background while acting as light nodes themselves.
Light nodes make it easier for people to use blockchain, but they are not as secure as full nodes. Because they rely on full nodes, there is a risk that the data could be wrong if a full node is dishonest. Light nodes also do not help as much with the network’s decentralization or security.
Because light nodes do not store transaction details, they cannot answer questions about the full blockchain history on their own. They need full nodes for more detailed information.
Light nodes are commonly used in wallet applications on mobile devices, where storage and computing power are limited. They are also useful in settings like Internet of Things devices or lightweight web interfaces that need to interact with a blockchain without handling heavy data loads.
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