Validator

How it is used

You run, set up or operate a validator; validators propose, attest to and validate blocks. Words around it include stake, uptime, rewards and slashing. Companies that run validators for others are called staking providers or node operators.

Example sentences

1. Our validator was offline for six hours during the data center outage, so it missed some rewards.

2. A validator that signs two different blocks at the same height can be slashed.

Common collocations

• run a validator
• validator node
• validator rewards
• validator set
• slash a validator

Related terms

• proof of stakeA consensus mechanism in which validators lock up coins as a stake to win the right to propose and confirm blocks. Those who break the rules can lose part of their stake. It uses far less energy than proof of work.
• stakingLocking up coins in a proof-of-stake network to help secure it, either by running a validator or by delegating to one, in return for rewards. Staked coins may not be available to sell straight away.
• nodeA computer that runs the blockchain software, keeps a copy of the ledger and passes transactions and blocks on to other computers in the network.
• consensus mechanismThe set of rules that lets the computers in a blockchain agree on which transactions are valid and in what order, without trusting a central authority. Proof of work and proof of stake are the best-known types.
• block rewardThe new coins a miner or validator receives for adding a block to the chain. On many networks, the transaction fees in that block are paid on top of the reward.

More terms: Consensus, Mining & Staking

• mining
• proof of work
• miner
• halving
• hash rate