Quote from: Iamgoat on September 13, 2025, 03:23:37 PM

Quote from: ₿itcoin on September 12, 2025, 05:45:41 PM

Whether you run a node yourself or not, if you don't take control of your private keys, you're relying on someone else. It's fine if you run a node, it's like having a vault, but it doesn't hold the keys. Remember, you can only claim ownership of your bitcoins when you can sign transactions with your keys, not otherwise. So I'd say it's not just about verification, you have to maintain sovereignty, bro.

I am not quite knowledgeable about this running of bitcoin node. It is an aspect I want to understand as a lay person. I am currently participating in running a node challenge in this thread but I am still unable to figure out what the benefits are for us doing it aside from what has been stated by the initiator. I want to deeply understand what running a node means and whether there's the good, bad and ugly side of running it. You also mentioned taking ownership of it, how can one achieve it?

Running a Bitcoin node is basically about downloading an entire copy of
the Bitcoin Blockchain and running it on a computer. This helps with the validation
of transactions and helps
with securing the network overall and with decentralisation in general.

The Bitcoin network has never been hacked or compromised which is in part
thanks to people running nodes from all over the world.

When you run a node you do so for the benefit of everyone including yourself,
there is no financial gain only a small cost to the one hosting. Its a small price to pay
to help with the above.

There is one small advantage and one which is probably very important to some.
By running a node you can send your transactions directly to your node which
enhances your personal privacy when sending Bitcoin.