What is the role of a full node in the network?

@mikel 

The role of a full node in a network, especially in blockchain networks, is to maintain a complete copy of the blockchain ledger and participate in the consensus process. Full nodes store the entire history of transactions and blocks, validate any new transactions or blocks added to the network, and ensure that the rules of the protocol are followed.

Some key roles and responsibilities of a full node include:

1. Transaction Validation: Full nodes verify transactions by checking their validity against the consensus rules of the network. They ensure that transactions have valid signatures, do not double-spend coins, and adhere to other protocol-specific rules.
2. Block Validation: Full nodes independently validate new blocks by verifying their legitimacy, ensuring that they adhere to the consensus rules, and verifying the proof-of-work or proof-of-stake requirements.
3. Data Propagation: Full nodes play a crucial role in propagating new transactions and blocks across the network. They help distribute this information to other nodes to maintain the network's decentralization and ensure all participants are aware of the latest state.
4. Security and Trust: Full nodes enhance the security of the network by keeping a copy of the entire blockchain history. This allows them to independently verify any discrepancies or attacks on the network. Full nodes are also crucial for maintaining decentralization by acting as a trusted source for independent verification.
5. Wallet and User Interaction: Full nodes enable users to interact with the network by hosting wallets and allowing them to send/receive transactions directly to the blockchain. They provide the necessary infrastructure for users to manage their funds independently.

Full nodes are often seen as the backbone of decentralized networks, emphasizing trustlessness, security, and the ability to verify and validate transactions without relying on any centralized authority.