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In the world of blockchain technology, understanding the various types of nodes is like holding the keys to a treasure chest of opportunities.
These nodes play a pivotal role in the functioning and security of blockchain networks.
In this comprehensive guide, we will dive deep into the universe of blockchain nodes and unlock the secrets to success in this dynamic space.
What is a node? In the blockchain, the concept of “node” is often used to refer to an independently operating component in the blockchain network.
Each node represents a computer or a computer system that is connected to the blockchain network and is involved in the process of building and maintaining the system.
A node in the blockchain can have different functions, depending on the type of blockchain and its role in the network.
Some of the key functions of a node in the blockchain include:
Data storage and synchronization: Nodes store blockchain data as blocks and transactions and synchronize information with other nodes in the network.
Transaction Verification: Node checks and verifies the validity of transactions in the blockchain by applying defined rules and algorithms.
In the Proof of Work (PoW) blockchain, a number of nodes called mining nodes, or miners, engage in the mining process to create new blocks in the blockchain.
Validate and contribute to the decision: In a blockchain based on Proof of Stake (PoS) or other authentication mechanisms, nodes participate in transaction verification and contribute to decision-making in the system.
Information transmission: Nodes transmit information, including new transactions and verified blocks, to other nodes in the network to maintain the synchronisation and integrity of the blockchain.
Creating decentralisation: One of the strengths of blockchain is decentralisation. Each node plays a role in decentralisation by checking and ensuring compliance with network rules and protocols.
The types of nodes in the blockchain may vary depending on the structure and regulation of the network, but the basic function of the node is to participate in the construction, maintenance, and operation of the blockchain network.
10 Common Node TypesNodes play an important role in creating and operating the network, validating and processing transactions, ensuring data integrity, and contributing to the expansion and development of the blockchain.
Here is an overview of the 10 most common types of nodes:
Full Nodes: The full nodes in the blockchain network maintain a synchronous copy of the entire blockchain and process transactions.
Pruned Full Nodes: A minimalist version of the full nodes, they store only a fraction of the blockchain data, saving storage space.
Archival Full Nodes: The full nodes store the entire transaction history in the blockchain network, helping to research and explore historical data.
Miner Nodes: A dedicated node for mining and renewing blocks in the blockchain network.
Authority Nodes: Authorised and authorised nodes to participate in the transaction evaluation and validation process, ensuring the integrity of the network.
Staking Nodes: The nodes involved in the staking process contribute to the security and maintenance of the blockchain network.
Light Nodes: As a lightweight version of Full Nodes, they store only a small fraction of the blockchain data and rely on other nodes to query the data.
Masternodes: A specialised node that manages and supports advanced features in the blockchain network, such as routing, security, and sub-services.
Lightning Nodes: These nodes contribute to the expansion of the blockchain network and speed up transactions through the use of the Lightning Network.
Super Nodes: These are special nodes capable of deciding and supporting the expansion of the blockchain network, which often have powerful resources and play a central role in the network.
Each type of node has a special function and contributes significantly to the maintenance, operation, and development of the blockchain network.
From a synchronised copy of the blockchain to processing transactions, protecting data integrity, and supporting scalable features, each type of node plays a unique and valuable role in the blockchain ecosystem.
Below is a comparison table of the 10 most common types of nodes in the blockchain, with key elements such as functionality, roles, features, and key characteristics:
This comparison table gives you an overview of the types of nodes and a better understanding of the roles and functions of each type in the blockchain system.
However, the specifics may vary depending on each blockchain platform and each blockchain project specifically. Each project may have its own node types or even custom nodes that are not on this list.
Here’s a detailed description of the 10 most common types of nodes and an overview of the roles and functions of each type of node that Coinbold has synthesised.
If you have time, you can read it all, or you can get the basics from the table above.
1. Pruned Full Nodes
Pruned Full Nodes is a type of node in the blockchain network that is capable of storing only a fraction of the transaction history of the blockchain, while retaining the characteristics of a full node.
This is achieved by removing unnecessary historical data during transaction verification and building new blocks.
The primary function of Pruned Full Nodes is to reduce the required storage capacity of a full node while maintaining the ability to verify and authenticate transactions in the blockchain network.
Instead of storing the entire transaction history, Pruned Full Nodes only stores the information necessary to verify the validity of the current transaction and the current status of the blockchain.
The cutting process is carried out by removing unnecessary old blocks after the blocks have been verified and long enough to ensure that the transactions in them have become unchangeable.
These blocks are no longer needed to verify the validity of new blocks and existing transactions.
By removing these blocks, Pruned Full Nodes significantly reduces storage capacity while retaining network engagement and transaction verification.
Some of the benefits of Pruned Full Nodes include:
Saves storage space: Pruned Full Nodes reduces the required storage capacity compared to a traditional full node, helping to reduce the amount of data that needs to be downloaded and stored on the network.
Increased synchronisation speed: As storage capacity decreases, Pruned Full Nodes sync process can be faster, allowing the node to quickly join the network and verify transactions.
Decentralised input: Pruned Full Nodes still has the ability to verify and authenticate transactions, ensure the decentralisation of the blockchain network, and check the validity of data.
While Pruned Full Nodes reduce storage capacity, they retain the functionality of a full node, such as verifying transactions and contributing to the building of new blocks.
This means that Pruned Full Nodes can function as a normal full node, while saving storage space and increasing the performance of the blockchain network.
One important note is that Pruned Full Nodes may lose the ability to fully retrieve the transaction history of the blockchain.
However, this does not affect the ability to verify and authenticate new transactions or new blocks.
Pruned Full Nodes can still rely on other full nodes in the network to get the necessary information if you need to search for detailed transaction history.
Overall, Pruned Full Nodes plays an important role in balancing transaction verification and the synchronisation speed of the blockchain network.
They help reduce storage requirements and increase network performance whileining the decentralisation and integrity of data in the blockchain.
2. Full Node
Full Nodes are the key component of the blockchain network, which is responsible for storing the entire data and transaction history of the blockchains.
The main function of Full Nodes is to verify and maintain the integrity of the network, while participating in the building and maintenance of the blockchain.
Here are some important functions of Full Nodes in the blockchain:
Full data storage: Full Nodes stores the entire transaction history, including information about all blocks and transactions from the first date to the present.
This ensures data integrity and the ability to retrieve detailed information about transactions that have occurred on the network.
Transaction Verification: Full Nodes checks the validity of new transactions.
They apply rules and algorithms that have been defined in the network to ensure that transactions comply with regulations and do not violate core rules.
Build and validate new blocks: Full Nodes participate in the new block building process in the blockchain.
They select the transactions from the unconfirmed transaction and contribute to the creation of a new block added to the chain.
Then the other Full Nodes verify the validity of the new block and agree to accept it.
Information transmission: Full Nodes shares information about blocks and transacts with other nodes in the network.
This helps maintain synchronisation and data distribution across the blockchain network.
Ensuring decentralisation: Full Nodes play an important role inining the decentralisation of the blockchain.
They check and ensure that each new transaction and block complies with the defined rules and protocols, not allowing any unlawful changes in the network.
In short, Full Nodes are key nodes in the blockchain network, responsible for storing, verifying andining the integrity of data in the network.
They verify the validity of new transactions, build and validate new blocks, transmit information, and ensure the decentralization of the network.
Full Nodes play an important role inining the functionality and security of the blockchain.
By engaging in storing the entire transaction history and verifying the validity of transactions, Full Nodes contributes to the reliability and security of the blockchain network.
They help prevent fraudulent behaviour, cyber attacks, and ensure that data on the blockchain isined in an integrated and unchangeable manner.
In addition, Full Nodes also plays a role in the transmission of information between other nodes in the network.
This helps maintain the synchronisation of the blockchain and ensures that all the nodes in the network are updated on the blocks and transactions.
Full Nodes plays a central role in the blockchain network, ensuring the security, reliability and decentralisation of the system.
They are an integral part of building andining a successful blockchain network.
3. Archival Full Node
Archival Full Nodes is a type of node in the blockchain network whose main function is to store the entire transaction history and data of the blockchain from its inception to the present.
They are nodes with large storage capacity and powerful resources to contain detailed information about every transaction and block in the network.
Here are some important functions of Archival Full Nodes in the blockchain:
Archival Full Nodes stores the entire transaction history from the blockchain’s inception to the present moment.
This includes information about all the blocks, transactions and accounts in the system.
Archival Full Nodes allows users to retrieve and search for details of any transactions from the past.
Research and analysis support: Archival Full Nodes provides valuable material for research and analysis in the blockchain field.
Developers, researchers, and experts can use data from Archival Full Nodes to better understand trends, operations, and interactions on the blockchain.
Transaction Authentication: Archival Full Nodes ensures the validity of transactions in the blockchain network.
They test and apply defined rules and algorithms to ensure that every transaction complies with the regulations and does not violate the core rules of the network.
Ensure integrity and security: Archival Full Nodes plays an important role in ensuring the integrity of the blockchain.
They verify the validity of each transaction and block, prevent fraudulent behaviour, attack the network, and ensure that the data in the blockchain isined intact and immutable.
Synchronisation support: Archival Full Nodes with large storage capacity like Archival full Nodes play an important role in the synchronisation of the blockchain network.
By storing the entire transaction history, they provide a reliable source of data for other nodes during the building and maintenance of the blockchain.
In addition, Archival Full Nodes also supports data recovery and restoration of the state of the blockchain network after an incident.
When a node loses data or needs to be recovered after its decommissioning, Archival Full Nodes can provide stored blocks and transactions to help restore the system to its state.
One important point to note is that Archival Full Nodes requires large resources, including storage and processing space.
As a result, they are often deployed on powerful servers or cloud storage systems to meet huge data storage requirements.
Overall, Archival Full Nodes are key nodes in the blockchain network, ensuring integrity, reliability and data recovery.
They store the entire transaction history and provide a source of data for research, analysis and maintenance of the blockchain network.
4. Miner Nodes
Miner Nodes are key components of the blockchain network, responsible for mining to create new blocks and validate transactions on the blockchain.
The main function of Miner Nodes is to solve complex encryption issues to consensus and security in the network.
Here are some important functions of Miner Nodes in the blockchain:
New block mining: Miner Nodes engage in mining to create new blocks in the blockchain.
They solve complex encryption issues and create a proof of work to be accepted by the network.
When a Miner Node creates a new block, it is sent and accepted by other nodes in the network.
Transaction Validation: Miner Nodes checks the validity of transactions and contributes to the transaction validation process on the blockchain.
They ensure that each transaction complies with predefined rules and regulations and does not violate the integrity of the network.
Network Protection: By participating in the process of mining and confirming transactions, Miner Nodes plays an important role in protecting the blockchain network from fraudulent behaviour and attacks.
At the same time, the distribution of Miner Nodes in the network helps prevent excessive power concentration and ensures the decentralisation of the system.
Receive rewards: Miner Nodes are rewarded with blockchain currency units (e.g. Bitcoin) when successful in creating a new block.
This provides economic incentives for the Miner Nodes to continue to engage in the mining process and ensure the operation of the network.
Network Sync: Miner Nodes participate in the sync process of the blockchain network by verifying and accepting new blocks created by other Miner Nodes.
This helps maintain the synchronisation and reliability of the blockchain, while simultaneously syncing versions of the blockchains across different nodes in the network.
Secure the integrity of the blockchain: Miner Nodes play an important role in securing the integrities of the blockchains.
When a Miner Node creates a new block, it has to prove that it has consumed a significant amount of work by solving complex encryption issues.
This creates a very difficult workflow to change previously validated blocks, ensuring that data on the blockchain cannot be changed easily.
Contributing to the right to vote: Some blockchains use a proof of stake or combine a work proof with a stake.
In this case, Miner Nodes plays a role in the election process of important network decisions, such as choosing who creates the next block or changing the rules of the blockchain.
Miner Nodes play an important role in block creation, transaction validation, and protection of the integrity of the blockchain network.
They are the core components in keeping the blockchain operational and ensuring the security and decentralisation of the system.
5. Authority Nodes
Authority Nodes is a type of node in the blockchain network that has special functions in authenticating and managing transactions and activities on the network.
They are given special powers to participate in decision-making and system control.
Here are some important functions of Authority Nodes in the blockchain:
Transaction Authentication: Authority Nodes play an important role in verifying the validity of transactions on the blockchain network.
They test and apply predefined rules and algorithms to ensure that every transaction complies with the regulations and does not violate the core rules of the network.
Power Management: Authority Nodes have the power to decide on changes and updates in the blockchain network.
They often participate in the voting process and make important decisions, including selecting new digging nodes, modifying network rules, or performing system upgrades.
This management helps maintain the decentralisation and overall control of the network.
Protection of system integrity: Authority Nodes ensures the integrity and security of the blockchain network.
They control access to the system and prevent fraudulent behaviour, network attacks and ensure that data in the blockchain isined in an integrated and unchangeable manner.
Ensuring consistency and reliability: Authority Nodes play a crucial role inining the coherence and credibility of the blockchain.
They are often viewed as reliable sources in the network and other nodes rely on them to authenticate and retrieve information about the status of the network.
This helps ensure that all the nodes in the network are consistent with each other and the data on the blockchain is consistent.
Support for voting rights and governance: In some blockchain networks, Authority Nodes participate in the electoral processes and the governance of the system.
They have the right to participate in the process of selecting representatives, deciding on the change of rules and power in the network.
By participating in the electoral and governance process, Authority Nodes ensures fairness, transparency and decentralisation in making important decisions.
Performance Assurance and Scaling: Authority Nodes can play an important role in ensuring the performance and scalability of the blockchain network.
They are capable of routing and managing communication between different nodes in the network, while making decisions related to improving the system and enhancing the scalability of the blockchain.
Authority Nodes are key nodes in the blockchain network, responsible for authenticating transactions, managing and making important decisions in the system.
They ensure the integrity, fairness and decentralisation of the network, while contributing to the performance and scalability of the blockchain.
6. Staking Nodes
Staking Nodes is a type of node in the blockchain network that plays an important role in depositing and participating in the proof process. (Proof of Stake – PoS).
They play a role in ensuring the security and maintenance of the network.
Here are some important functions of Staking Nodes in the blockchain:
Deposit and security: Staking Nodes stakes some of its currency into the wallet to ensure the security of the blockchain network.
By depositing, they contribute to the cyber security process and share power in the decision-making process of transactions and operations on the blockchain.
Participation in the proof of stake: Staking Nodes participate in the staking process in the Proof of Stake system.
They are randomly selected to create new blocks or confirm transactions based on the amount of deposit they place.
Participation in this process ensures the fairness, reliability and security of the network.
Contributing to consistency and reliability: Staking Nodes play a crucial role inining the coherence and credibility of the blockchain.
They test and verify transactions, synchronise with other nodes, and keep the blockchain system consistent.
By participating in the proof-of-stakes process, they help prevent fraudulent behaviour and cyber attacks.
Receive Rewards: Staking Nodes receive rewards by participating in the proof process in the blockchain.
This reward could be the currency units of the blockchain or some other benefit.
This creates an economic incentive for the Staking Nodes to continue to participate in the deposit process and secure the operation of the network.
Contributing to scaling and performance: Staking Nodes can play an important role in contributing to the scalability and performance of the blockchain network.
They can be involved in the process of evaluating and selecting new transactions and blocks to ensure that the network operates efficiently and is not overloaded.
At the same time, Staking Nodes can also play a role in routing communication and transmitting information between different nodes in the network, enhancing system performance and scalability.
Manage voting rights and network changes: In some blockchains, Staking Nodes has the power to participate in the electoral process and manage voting rights and changes in the network.
They can play a role in choosing representatives or other important decisions relating to rules and authority in the system.
This ensures decentralisation and community involvement in key network decisions.
In short, Staking Nodes plays an important role in depositing and participating in the proof of interest in the blockchain network.
They ensure the security, fairness and reliability of the system, contribute to the consistency and performance of the network, and can participate in the management and change processes in the blockchain.
7. Light Node
Light Node is a type of node in the blockchain network that has special functions in providing quick accessibility and resource saving to users.
They are designed to work on devices with limited resources such as mobile phones and personal computers.
Here are some important functions of Light Nodes in the blockchain:
Quick Sync: Light Nodes focuses on fast sync to the blockchain network.
Instead of downloading the entire blockchain and storing all the information, they just downloaded a small fraction of the blocks and the information needed to verify the transaction.
This saves time and storage resources.
Transaction and status verification: Light Nodes has the ability to verify the validity of transactions and the status of the blockchain network.
They use mathematics and downloaded information to test the accuracy of transactions without having to store the entire blockchain.
This saves computer resources and network bandwidth.
Saving storage resources: Light Nodes saves storage by not storing the entire blockchain.
Instead, they only store a small fraction of the blocks and information needed to verify transactions.
This makes Light Nodes suitable for devices with limited storage, such as mobile phones.
Easy and convenient access: Light Nodes provide quick and user-friendly accessibility.
They allow users to access transactions and information in the blockchain easily through a user-friendly interface.
This makes the use of blockchain simpler and more convenient for end users.
Integration: Light Nodes can integrate with other applications and services to provide blockchain functions to users.
Send and Receive Transactions: Light Nodes allows users to send and receive transactions on the blockchain network easily.
They have the ability to create and sign transactions, then send them to Full Nodes or Authority Nodes to be verified and put into a new block.
This allows users to engage in the operation of the blockchain network without having to run a full node.
Security and privacy: Light Nodes provides a level of security and privacy for users.
Personal data and user transactions are not stored on Light Nodes, helping to protect personal information and avoid security risks.
At the same time, Light Nodes also allows users to check the validity of transactions without disclosing private information.
Ensure consistency: Even though Light Nodes do not store the entire blockchain, they still contribute to the network’s coherence.
They verify the validity of the transaction using downloaded information and track the development of the blockchain. This helps prevent invalid transactions and ensures consistency in the blockchain network.
In short, Light Nodes is a type of node in the blockchain network that focuses on fast synchronisation, transaction verification, and storage resource saving.
They provide easy and user-friendly accessibility, enable sending and receiving transactions, and integrate with other applications and services.
Light Nodes contribute to the consistency and security of the blockchain network while saving resources for users.
8. Masternodes
Masternodes are an important component of the blockchain system, especially in networks that use the Proof of Stake (PoS) algorithm, or Proof Of Stake and Work ( PoS/PoW).
They play an important role in providing advanced functionality and ensuring smooth operation of the network.
Here are some important functions of Masternodes in the blockchain:
Transaction Verification: Masternodes assumes the task of verifying the validity of transactions in the blockchain network.
They check new transactions and make sure they comply with established rules and authorities.
This helps prevent fraudulent transactions and ensures the accuracy of the transaction history on the blockchain.
Ensure consistency and security of the network: Masternodes is responsible for keeping the blockchain network running consistently and securely.
They help prevent attacks like 51% attacks, double-spending attacks and other fraud attacks.
Masternodes play an important role in ensuring the security and reliability of the system.
Provides special features: Masternodes are often capable of performing special features in the blockchain network.
For example, they can engage in mining, provide anonymous services, execute quick transactions, and other features.
This feature expands the usability of the blockchain and benefits its users.
Management and Election: Masternodes often have the right to participate in the management and election process in the blockchain network.
They can participate in voting and make decisions on rules changes, system upgrades and other important issues.
This demonstrates decentralisation and community involvement in key blockchain decisions.
Distribution of rewards: Masternodes often receive the monetary rewards of the blockchain as a network partner.
This reward is offered as an incentive for Masternodes owners to maintain and operate the network.
This reward can be shared among the Masternodes based on a number of criteria such as the number and age of the masternodes.
This encourages the holding and operation of Masternodes, contributing to the sustainability and development of the blockchain network.
Accelerate transactions and scalability: Masternodes can help speed up transaction processing in the blockchain network.
They have the ability to verify and process transactions quickly, helping to reduce validation time and ensure network availability.
In addition, Masternodes can also support network expansion by engaging in transaction processing and building new blocks.
Contributing to the development and promotion of blockchain: Masternodes can contribute to the growth and promoting of the blockchain network.
They often act as key nodes and represent the network in front of the community and related projects.
Masternodes can be involved in the promotion of blockchain, seeking opportunities for collaboration and making new development proposals for the network.
In short, Masternodes has many important functions in the blockchain network, including transaction verification, ensuring consistency and security, providing special features, participating in management and election, distributing rewards, accelerating transactions and scalability, as well as contributing to the development and promotion of the blockchain.
Masternodes plays a key role in creating a stable, secure and growing blockchain system.
9. Lightning Nodes
Lightning Network is a technology developed on the blockchain platform to solve the problem of transaction traffic and processing speed in the network.
Lightning Nodes (also known as Lightning Network Nodes) play an important role in the deployment and operation of Lightning Networks.
Here are some important functions of Lightning Nodes in the blockchain:
Processing off-line transactions: Lightning Nodes allows users to execute off-site transaction via the Lightning Network.
Instead of having to validate each transaction on the main blockchain, users can create fast and secure payment channels between Lightning Nodes.
This reduces transaction fees and validation time, increases network speed and scalability.
Payment channel management: Lightning Nodes has the ability to manage payment channels on the Lightning Network.
They can open and close channels, and make intermediate transactions between nodes in the network.
Lightning Nodes ensures the security and consistency of channels, checks and verifies transactions, and helps maintain the balance of assets in channals.
Payment Routing and Delivery: Lightning Nodes play an important role in routing and forwarding payments across the Lightning Network.
They have the ability to find optimal routes to transfer money from source to destination through open channels.
This helps identify and implement quick paths to transfer money without verification on the main blockchain.
Support for application features: Lightning Nodes can support built-in application features on the Lightning Network.
For example, they can support the creation and management of smart contracts on the Lightning Network, enabling the execution of conditional transactions and sending notifications to users.
In short, Lightning Nodes play an important role in the deployment and operation of the Lightning Network.
They assist in processing off-line transactions, managing payment channels, routing and forwarding payments, supporting application features and contributing to the expansion and development of the blockchain network.
Lightning Nodes brings huge benefits to users, by speeding up transactions, reducing costs, and opening up new application capabilities on the blockchain platform.
10. Super Nodes
In the blockchain network, Super Nodes (also known as Super Full Nodes) are special nodes that have important functions and play a central role in the maintenance and operation of the network.
Here are some of the key functions of Super Nodes in the blockchain:
Transaction Verification and Processing: Super Nodes assumes the role of verifying and processing transactions in the blockchain network.
They check the validity of transactions, verify electronic signatures, and ensure data integrity.
Super Nodes have huge computational power and resources to perform complex calculations and handle large volumes of transactions.
Maintaining and updating sync copies: Super Nodes keeps a sync copy of the entire blockchain.
They are usually configured to maintain a full copy and constantly update new blocks and transactions in the network.
This ensures that Super Nodes is always up-to-date and synchronized with all other nodes in the network.
Data management and distribution: Super Nodes has the ability to manage and distribute data in the blockchain network.
They ensure that data is transmitted efficiently and reliably between nodes in the network.
Super Nodes can perform functions such as data routing and forwarding, data synchronization and control of information transmission.
Security and Security: Super Nodes play an important role in ensuring the security and security of the blockchain network.
They check and authenticate transactions, prevent fraudulent behaviour and attacks from unfair nodes.
Super Nodes often adopt strong security measures such as data encryption, digital signatures, and integrity checks.
Extended support and compatibility: Super Nodes also has the ability to extend the blockchain network and the compatibility with new protocols.
They have the ability to connect and interact with other nodes in the network, enabling the network to scale and handle. Super Nodes are often configured with powerful resources such as high bandwidth, large storage capacity and computing power to meet the requirements of the blockchain network.
In addition, Super Nodes often play an important role in deciding on network updates and upgrades.
They can participate in the evaluation process and vote for improvements, new protocols or rules changes in the blockchain network.
Super Nodes demonstrate close interaction with the blockchain community and play a key role in network development and development.
In short, Super Nodesin the blockchain network play an important and multifunctional role.
They verify and process transactions, maintain and update synchronous copies, manage and distribute data, ensure security and security, scale support and compatibility, and participate in decision-making and development of the blockchain network.
The presence of Super Nodes provides stability and reliability to the blockchain network and contributes to the growth and success of the platform.
ConclusionNodes in the blockchain are an important part of the system, playing a role inining, validating and processing transactions.
Different types of nodes have distinct functions and roles such asining synchronous copies of the blockchain, mining new blocks, confirming transactions, protecting integrity, and supporting scalable features.
The importance of Node in blockchain is to build a decentralised network.
Nodes work together to maintain the integrity of the blockchain and ensure that the information and transactions in the system are reliable and immutable.
Nodes increase the security, security and decentralisation of the blockchain network.
In addition, the nodes also play an important role in the expansion of the blockchain network.
They support fast transaction processing, lower costs and increase system scalability.
In short, nodes are essential components of the blockchain network.
They ensure the integrity, security and decentralisation of the system, while providing a variety of functions and features to maintain and develop blockchain effectively.