Validation Registry

Definition ∞ A validation registry is a specialized database or on-chain system that records and verifies the status of network participants responsible for confirming transactions or blocks. It maintains a list of authorized validators, their staked collateral, and their performance history. This registry ensures that only legitimate and active participants contribute to network security. Its function is crucial for the integrity and operational health of proof-of-stake and similar consensus mechanisms.
Context ∞ In proof-of-stake blockchain networks, the validation registry is a core component for managing the set of active validators. It provides transparency regarding who is participating in block production and their associated responsibilities. Discussions often involve the criteria for entry into such registries, mechanisms for removing inactive or malicious validators, and the overall decentralization of the validator set. A robust registry is essential for the security of digital assets.