Node

A computer running Bitcoin software that stores and verifies the entire blockchain.

A Bitcoin node is a computer running the Bitcoin software, storing the full blockchain (around 600 GB and growing) and validating every transaction and block against the network's rules. Nodes don't mine, but they're the entity that actually checks "is this valid Bitcoin?".

Anyone can run a node. The hardware requirements are modest — a Raspberry Pi 4 with a 1 TB external drive is enough. Cost: £100-£300 one-off, plus a few pounds a month in electricity. The setup takes an evening; after that it's mostly hands-off.

Why run one? Because as a node operator you stop trusting third parties to tell you the truth about your own balance. Your wallet queries your own node, not someone else's. You verify every transaction with your own copy of the rules. "Don't trust, verify" is a slogan in Bitcoin — running a node is what verify actually means.

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Course topic

Mining & nodes

How Bitcoin actually works. Miners, nodes, blocks, and what running your own changes.

Related terms

Glossary

Blockchain

The public ledger of every Bitcoin transaction, organised into a chain of blocks.

Glossary

Mining

The process of competing to add new blocks to the Bitcoin blockchain. Miners earn block rewards plus fees.

Glossary

Self-custody

Holding your own Bitcoin private keys. Nobody can freeze, seize, or lose your sats — except you.

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