Validator
A Validator is a crucial component in blockchain technology, responsible for verifying transactions and maintaining the integrity of the network. Validators ensure that all transactions are legitimate and follow the rules of the blockchain protocol. They play a key role in consensus mechanisms, such as Proof of Stake, where they are selected to create new blocks and confirm transactions based on the amount of cryptocurrency they hold and are willing to "stake."
In addition to block validation, Validators help secure the network against fraud and attacks. By participating in the validation process, they earn rewards, which incentivizes them to act honestly and maintain the system's reliability. This process is essential for decentralized networks like Ethereum and Cardano, where trust is established through collective agreement rather than a central authority.