Staking basics

What Is a Validator - A Comprehensive Guide!

Zainab Saberi

Apr 13, 2023 • 6 min read

A validator plays a crucial role in various blockchain networks, including cryptocurrencies. So what is a validator? They are responsible for various functions in the ecosystem, such as verifying and validating transactions, maintaining the integrity and security of the network, and ensuring consensus among participants. In this blog, we will explore the role of a validator, how to become one, the benefits associated with validation, and more.

How to Become a Validator?

Becoming a crypto validator involves different processes depending on the blockchain network you wish to participate in. Generally, validators are required to meet certain criteria and follow certain processes. To become a blockchain validator, you typically need to fulfill the following steps:

Understanding the Blockchain Network: Familiarize yourself with the blockchain network you want to participate in, including its consensus mechanism, validator requirements, and overall functioning.
Minimum Requirements: Determine the basic requirements to become a validator, such as the minimum amount of cryptocurrency needed to stake, technical specifications for running a validator node, and any other much-needed prerequisites.
Setting Up a Validator Node: This can be done by following the network's instructions. It often involves running specialized software and maintaining a stable and secure network connection.
Staking and Validation: Now, here is the main part of knowing what is validator ? It is to stake the required amount of cryptocurrency as collateral to demonstrate commitment to the blockchain network and participate in the validation process. Validators often lock their tokens for a certain period to ensure network security and stability.
Maintaining Consistency and Performance: Regularly monitor and maintain your validator node to ensure consistent performance, uptime, and compliance with network rules. This includes keeping your software up to date and promptly resolving any issues that may arise. If not, then you might be penalized for lazy behaviour and not following your validator duties diligently.

Also Read: What are Smart Contracts?

By following the above steps and fulfilling the requirements of the specific blockchain network, you can know what is validator and even become one and actively contribute to the network's security and consensus.

PoW vs. PoS

To better understand what is validator in crypto, it's essential to distinguish between two popular consensus mechanisms: Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS).

Proof of Work (PoW): It’s a consensus mechanism used by cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Miners compete to solve complex mathematical puzzles, and the one who solves them first adds the next block to the blockchain. In the PoW mechanism, miners validate transactions, and their computational power determines their chances of success.
Proof of Stake (PoS): PoS is an alternative consensus mechanism that relies on validators rather than miners. So, what is validator once again? They are the chosen ones who validate blockchain transactions based on the amount of cryptocurrency they hold and are willing to "stake" or lock up as collateral.

And how are crypto validators selected? They are chosen through a deterministic process that considers factors like the number of tokens staked and the validator's reputation.

Hence when knowing about proof of work vs proof of stake, it is evident that PoS brings several advantages over PoW, such as energy efficiency, scalability, and reduced centralization risks. Validators play a crucial role in maintaining the network's security and reaching consensus in PoS-based blockchains.

Also Read: Ethereum Staking Rewards

What Do Blockchain Validators Do?

Blockchain validators perform various essential tasks to maintain the integrity and security of the network. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

Transaction Validation: Validators verify the accuracy and validity of transactions. They ensure that each transaction adheres to the network's rules, such as proper signature verification and available account balances.
Block Validation: Validators validate newly created blocks by verifying the transactions they contain. They ensure that the block follows the consensus protocol and add it to the blockchain if it meets all the necessary criteria.
Maintaining Consensus: This is yet again an important part of knowing what is a validator. They participate in the consensus process, where they contribute their computational power or staked tokens to reach agreement on the state of the blockchain.

This process ensures that all validators reach a common conclusion and prevents fraudulent or conflicting transactions.
Network Security: Validators play a critical role in securing the network against attacks. By validating transactions and blocks, they prevent double-spending and ensure that the network operates according to the consensus rules.

What's the Difference Between Validators and Miners?

Validators and miners have distinct roles in blockchain networks, primarily based on the consensus mechanism employed.

Validators: To know what is a validator in crypto, let us recollect the basics that they participate in the validation and consensus process by verifying and approving transactions and blocks.

Thus they play a significant role in maintaining network integrity and security. Validators are typically associated with consensus mechanisms like Proof of Stake (PoS).
Miners: They are primarily associated with Proof of Work (PoW) consensus and compete to solve complex mathematical puzzles to add new blocks to the blockchain. Their computational power and the ability to solve these puzzles determine their chances of mining new blocks. Miners are rewarded with newly minted cryptocurrency or transaction fees.

While both validators and miners contribute to the blockchain's operation, their methods, incentives, and roles differ based on the consensus mechanism employed. Also, validating blocks and transactions is much more energy-efficient and stable than mining them.

How much can you get as a Validator?

Most of us who are looking forward to what is a validator is also inquisitive to know the rewards potential of a crypto validator. So, it varies depending on several factors, including the blockchain network, the number of tokens staked, and the specific rewards mechanism.

Validators can receive rewards in the form of newly minted tokens, transaction fees, or both. However, it's critical to note that rewards are not guaranteed and can fluctuate due to network dynamics and market conditions.

The rewards of a validator are influenced by parameters such as the network's inflation rate, validator performance, and the total number of validators. Some blockchain networks offer predictable rewards based on a predetermined annual reward percentage for liquid staking, while others use more complex mechanisms.

Before becoming a validator, it's advisable to research the specific blockchain network's reward structure and understand the potential risks and returns associated with validation.

Also Read: How to Add Matic to Metamask

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

What is the role of a validator?

A. Validators verify and validate transactions, maintain network integrity, and participate in the consensus process to secure the blockchain network.

2. What is a validator in crypto?
A. In the context of cryptocurrencies, a validator is an entity or participant responsible for validating transactions and maintaining consensus in a blockchain network.

3. Can I make money as a validator?

A. Yes, validators can get rewards in the form of newly minted tokens or transaction fees for their validation and active participation in the network.

4. How much do validators make?

A. The reward potential of a validator varies depending on factors such as the blockchain network, staked amount, and rewards mechanism. Specific rewards can fluctuate due to network dynamics and market conditions.

5. How much do you need to be a validator?

A. The minimum amount of tokens required to become what is a validator depends on the specific blockchain network's requirements. It's advisable to research the network's staking requirements before becoming a validator.

6. How is a validator chosen?

A. The process of choosing validators varies depending on the consensus mechanism. In Proof of Stake networks, validators are typically chosen based on factors such as the number of tokens staked and the validator's reputation.

7. Why do validators get jailed?

A. Validators may get jailed or penalized for various reasons, such as attempting to validate invalid transactions or behaving maliciously within the network. Jailing is a mechanism to ensure network security and deter fraudulent activities. Hence this is an important piece of information to note when knowing about what is a validator & their roles and responsibilities.

8. How do I become a validator?

A. To become a crypto validator, you need to familiarize yourself with the specific blockchain network, fulfill the network's requirements, set up a validator node, stake the required tokens, and participate in the network's consensus process.

9. How are validators rewarded?

A. Validators are rewarded for their participation and validation efforts through newly minted tokens or fees of transaction. The specific reward structure varies from one blockchain ecosystem to another.