What Is A Validator In Proof-of-Stake (PoS)?
A Validator is a network participant in a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) system who locks (stakes) their native tokens to participate in securing the network. Validators are responsible for running a node, verifying transactions, proposing and signing new blocks, and maintaining the chain's integrity in exchange for staking rewards.
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🕒 7:46 PM
📅 Oct 29, 2025
✍️ By Nathanael707
Defining the Validator's RoleValidators are the direct replacements for Miners in a Proof-of-Work system. They secure the network economically, not computationally. To become a validator, a user must meet a minimum staking requirement (e.g., 32 ETH on Ethereum) and run dedicated, reliable software.
Stakeholder: Locks capital (the stake) as a security deposit to participate.
Core Duties: Proposing new blocks, validating transactions, and attesting (voting) on the validity of other validators' blocks.
Rewards: Earns newly minted coins and transaction fees for honest participation.
Security and Penalty (Slashing)
The validator's financial commitment ensures honest behavior, as the system imposes severe economic penalties for misbehavior.
Slashing: The forfeiture of a portion or all of the staked tokens for provably malicious behavior (e.g., double-signing blocks).
Downtime Penalties: Validators who fail to remain online and perform their duties are penalized by a gradual loss of rewards.