Ethereum and Bitcoin nodes are both computers that run software to connect to their respective networks, but they have some differences in their functions and requirements. Here are some of the main differences:
-
Ethereum nodes support smart contracts and decentralized applications, while Bitcoin nodes only process transactions and store balances. Ethereum nodes can execute code and interact with other nodes using a native programming language called Solidity. Bitcoin nodes use a simpler scripting language that is mainly used for validating transactions.
-
Ethereum nodes can be of different types, such as full nodes, light nodes, and archive nodes, depending on how much data they store and validate. Full nodes store the entire state of the network and validate every block and transaction. Light nodes only store the block headers and rely on full nodes for other information. Archive nodes store the entire history of the network, including all the intermediate states. Bitcoin nodes are mostly full nodes that store and validate the entire blockchain, although there are some light clients that use simplified payment verification (SPV) to verify transactions without downloading the whole chain.
-
Ethereum nodes use two types of clients: an execution client and a consensus client. The execution client handles the transactions and smart contracts on the Ethereum network, while the consensus client implements the proof-of-stake algorithm that secures the network. There are different implementations of both clients in various programming languages, such as Geth, Nethermind, Besu, Lighthouse, Prysm, and Teku. Bitcoin nodes use a single client that combines both functions. There are also different implementations of Bitcoin clients in various languages, such as Bitcoin Core, Bitcoin Knots, Bcoin, BTCD, and Libbitcoin.
-
Ethereum nodes have a higher hardware and bandwidth requirement than Bitcoin nodes. This is because Ethereum nodes have to process more complex and frequent transactions, as well as store more data. Ethereum nodes also have to sync with two chains: the beacon chain and the shard chain. The beacon chain is the main chain that coordinates the consensus among the nodes, while the shard chain is a parallel chain that handles the transactions and smart contracts. Bitcoin nodes only have to sync with one chain: the Bitcoin blockchain.
