What exactly do blockchain validators do? A detailed explanation.

In simple terms, validators are the “gatekeepers” of the blockchain network — they are responsible for checking whether each transaction is legitimate and then adding new blocks to the on-chain. This job sounds simple, but it is the core of how the blockchain operates.

Core Responsibilities of Validators

Imagine you are transferring 100 yuan to a friend. How can this transaction be confirmed? Validators are here to do this:

• Check the authenticity of the transaction——make sure you really have 100 Blocks, and not just making it up.
• Prevent double spending attacks——The same amount of money cannot be spent twice (this is the core problem solved by Blockchain)
• Maintain Network Security——Monitor any suspicious activities
• Pack New Block——Package multiple transactions into a Block and add it to the on-chain

Validators are therefore rewarded—usually in the form of the native token of that blockchain. For example, on Solana, validators can earn SOL; on Ethereum, validators can earn ETH. This is a “work and get paid” logic.

How to Choose Validators for PoS and PoA

Proof of Stake (PoS) Gameplay

Ethereum uses the PoS mechanism. The rules are straightforward: Do you want to become a validator? You must first lock a certain amount of ETH as “collateral.” The more collateral you stake, the higher the probability of being selected to validate a Block.

The process is as follows:

1. Randomly select a person from the validators pool to “package” a new Block.
2. This person organizes the transaction into a Block and sends it to the entire network.
3. Other validators vote to confirm whether this Block is valid.
4. Majority consent? The block is on-chain.

What are the benefits? Compared to the power-hungry PoW mining, PoS is much more energy-efficient. Moreover, Ethereum divides validators into multiple small groups to process multiple blocks in parallel, significantly improving efficiency.

Proof of Authority (PoA) Gameplay

PoA is more commonly used in private chains or enterprise chains. It relies not on how much money you have, but rather on who you are. The network will pre-approve some reputable institutions or individuals as validators, and then let them validate transactions.

Applicable scenarios: Internal company transfers, supply chain tracking, places where decentralization requirements are not high.

Validators vs Miners: What's the Difference

These two are often confused. In simple terms:

Core Difference: PoW is “whoever's computer is faster wins”, PoS is “whoever has more money or good reputation gets selected”.

How to Run Your Own Validator Node

Want to earn those validators rewards? Follow these 6 steps:

1. Choose a chain - Select a blockchain with high transaction volume that requires validators.
2. Hardware Setup - Prepare SSD, sufficient RAM, and a stable network (specific requirements vary by chain)
3. Install the software——Download and run the validators client for the on-chain.
4. Deposit collateral——PoS Blockchain requires you to lock a minimum amount of tokens (for example, Ethereum requires 32 ETH to become a validator)
5. Monitoring Nodes——Keep an eye on them 24/7 to ensure they are running smoothly and promptly patch any vulnerabilities.
6. Management of Earnings — Understand the reward mechanism and properly handle the earned tokens.

Of course, if you are found to have validated illegal transactions, the consequences are severe - you may be kicked off the validators list and even have part of your collateral confiscated.

Latest Trends: Validator Mechanisms Upgrading

The blockchain industry is constantly innovating, and the methods of validation are also evolving:

• New Consensus Protocol — PoB (Proof of Burn), PoSpace (Proof of Space) and other new gameplay, focusing on more energy-efficient and safer.
• Zero-Knowledge Proof——validators can confirm the validity of a transaction without needing to see the transaction details, providing stronger privacy protection.
• Cross-chain solutions——allow smoother communication and value transfer between different Blockchains

The goals of these innovations are clear: to make Blockchain faster, safer, and more energy-efficient, and to enable its application in more fields.

In summary: Validators are the backbone of the blockchain. Whether it's PoS or PoA, they maintain network honesty in different ways. As participants in the crypto world, understanding the operational logic of validators is crucial for understanding blockchain security.