A Full Node validates any transaction sent to it as it includes a full copy of the Bitcoin blockchain – introduced above. Once a bitcoin transaction is sent to any node connected to the bitcoin network, the transaction will be validated by that node.
Validation is crucial to maintain the integrity of the whole system, which is why running a Full Node actively supports Bitcoin. Validation means ensuring consensus on:
- The number of bitcoin each block can create. (Currently 6.25 BTC)
- Transactions having correct signatures for the bitcoins to be spent.
- Transactions/blocks happening in the correct data format.
- No transaction output being double-spent within the blockchain
If valid, each node will propagate transactions to the other nodes to which it is connected, and either a success or failure message will be returned synchronously to the originator, depending on the validity of new transactions.
Once proven as a valid transaction, the node propagates the transaction to other nodes which eventually gets picked up by a Miner and – after the required Proof of Work has been done – is added to the next block.
This structure prevents spamming, denial-of-service attacks, or other nuisance attacks against the bitcoin system. In a nutshell, every node independently validates every transaction before propagating it further.
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