From b8a1ef31ad068e0fed27dd25a2e1029d5c08105c Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: "David A. Harding" Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2023 08:53:44 -1000 Subject: [PATCH] CH03::running a node: clarify benefits - Move "don't need to rely on third parties" to the top of the list - Add the privacy benefit of a full node - Clarify that running a full node only makes the network more robust if you use it to verify your own wallet transactions --- ch03.asciidoc | 25 +++++++++++++++---------- 1 file changed, 15 insertions(+), 10 deletions(-) diff --git a/ch03.asciidoc b/ch03.asciidoc index 1e6cf191..db18339d 100644 --- a/ch03.asciidoc +++ b/ch03.asciidoc @@ -348,9 +348,9 @@ Bitcoin nodes have a direct and authoritative view of the Bitcoin blockchain, with a local copy of all the spendable bitcoins independently validated by their own system. By running a node, you don't have to rely on any third party to validate a transaction. -Additionally, by running a Bitcoin node, you contribute to the Bitcoin -network and help make it more -robust. +Additionally, by using a Bitcoin node to fully validate the transactions +you receive to your wallet, you contribute to the Bitcoin network and +help make it more robust. Running a node, however, requires downloading and processing over 500 GB of data initially and about 400 MB of Bitcoin transactions per day. @@ -396,6 +396,12 @@ USD computer the size of a pack of cards). Why would you want to run a node? Here are some of the most common reasons: +- If you do not want to rely on any third party to validate the + transactions you receive. + +- You do not want to disclose to third parties which transactions belong + to your wallet. + - If you are developing bitcoin software and need to rely on a Bitcoin node for programmable (API) access to the network and blockchain. @@ -403,14 +409,13 @@ reasons: according to bitcoin's consensus rules. Typically, bitcoin software companies run several nodes. -- If you want to support bitcoin. Running a node makes the network more - robust and able to serve more wallets, more users, and more - transactions. +- If you want to support bitcoin. Running a node that you use to + validate the transactions you receive to your wallet makes the network + more robust. -- If you do not want to rely on any third party to process or validate - your transactions. - -If you're reading this book and interested in developing bitcoin software, you should be running your own node. +If you're reading this book and interested in strong security, superior +privacy, or developing bitcoin software, you should be running your own +node. ==== Configuring the Bitcoin Core Node