What is Full node?
A node that downloads and validates the entire chain from genesis rather than trusting anyone else's summary of it.
Full validation means checking every signature, every issuance amount and every rule for every block ever produced. It takes time and disk space, and it is what makes the network trust-minimised.
Pruned nodes validate everything but discard old block data afterwards, keeping the security property with far less storage.
Related terms
Node
A computer running Bitcoin software that independently validates every block and transaction against the…
NetworkConsensus rules
The validity conditions every node enforces: issuance schedule, signature validity, block weight, and…
NetworkSPV (simplified payment verification)
Verifying that a transaction is in a block using merkle proofs, without downloading the full chain.
This definition is part of the Bitcoin Logical glossary. For the fuller explanation, start with Apprendre, or see the live numbers on Le Signal Bitcoin.