Validator
consensus · staking
A consensus participant that proposes, verifies, or attests to blocks, often after bonding stake in a proof-of-stake network.
A validator runs software that participates in consensus by checking blocks, voting or attesting, and sometimes proposing new blocks. In proof-of-stake systems, validators usually lock collateral that can earn rewards or be penalized.
Validators must stay online, follow protocol rules, and protect signing keys. Downtime can reduce rewards, while serious misbehavior such as double-signing can trigger slashing on networks that support it.
Related terms
Staking
→Locking or delegating tokens to support a proof-of-stake network or protocol in exchange for potential rewards.
consensus · defi
Staking Rewards
→Token payouts earned by validators or delegators for participating in proof-of-stake security or protocol incentives.
economics · consensus
Proof of Stake (PoS)
→A family of consensus mechanisms in which validators commit stake to propose, attest to, and finalize blocks.
consensus · blockchain