Definition ∞ Node synchronization is the process by which a new or offline node in a blockchain network downloads and verifies all historical transaction data to catch up with the current state of the ledger. This operation ensures that every participating node holds an identical and up-to-date copy of the blockchain. Proper synchronization is fundamental for maintaining network integrity and enabling nodes to validate new blocks. It underpins the consistency of distributed ledgers.
Context ∞ News often reports on improvements or challenges related to node synchronization, particularly as blockchain sizes grow, making the initial sync process more resource-intensive. Solutions like light clients, snap synchronization, or state pruning are developed to reduce the time and computational burden. Efficient node synchronization is crucial for the accessibility of network participation and the overall health of decentralized infrastructure.