Do I need to keep all blocks when running Bitcoin Core? A guide
As a Bitcoin enthusiast, managing the blockchain has become an essential part of the cryptocurrency experience. However, many people ask a common question: “Should I keep all blocks, from block 0 to the current one, when running Bitcoin Core?” The answer lies in understanding how Bitcoin Core works and what it requires.
What is Bitcoin Core?
Bitcoin Core is free, open-source software that acts as a client for the Bitcoin network. It allows users to download and verify blockchain transactions, run the full Bitcoin protocol, and interact with other nodes on the network. By running Bitcoin Core, you become a node on the network, which means you are responsible for verifying new blocks, solving complex mathematical puzzles, and maintaining the integrity of the blockchain.
Why keep all blocks?
Keeping all blocks is not strictly necessary, but it offers several advantages:
- Security: Access to every block ensures that there are no single points of failure on your node. If a node is compromised or offline, you can still verify and update the entire blockchain.
- Reliability: In a full node scenario, if a node fails or is removed from the network, all blocks up to the current one remain accessible, allowing you to continue verifying and updating the blockchain.
- Distributed network
: By keeping all blocks, you are part of a distributed network that ensures the integrity of the entire chain.
However, there are scenarios where you may not need to keep all the blocks:
- Node Management
: If you are running Bitcoin Core as a client node (i.e. for verification only), you can skip the full node functions and focus on executing transactions. In this case, you do not need to keep all the blocks.
- Hardware Wallets or Local Block Storage: You can store your Ethereum wallet on an external hardware wallet or in a secure offline location, such as a USB drive or encrypted folder, without keeping the entire blockchain.
What about Bitcoin Core’s memory size?
Bitcoin Core has a default memory size of around 500 MB (1.4 GB). This may seem like a lot, but it is important to consider the following:
- Only current blocks are stored: Bitcoin Core only stores blocks from block 0 to the current one. Older blocks are stored in memory for future reference and can be safely deleted without affecting the blockchain.
- Block storage is not a database: The storage used by Bitcoin Core is not designed to store large amounts of data, such as databases or relational systems. It is optimized for block verification and management.
Conclusion
While storing all blocks may seem like an attractive option, it is generally recommended to run Bitcoin Core as a full node client or simply store newer blocks to save space. This way:
- Enjoy increased security and reliability.
- Your hardware wallet or storage location remains safe.
- You can focus on executing transactions and enjoy the benefits of being a full node.
What’s next?
If you want to explore Bitcoin Core, you should start with a recent snapshot (e.g. “blockstore-1.6.x” or higher). This provides the most up-to-date information while minimizing storage requirements.
Local storage of your Ethereum wallet is also fine, as long as you understand that you don’t need to keep all blocks in memory.
Last Tips
When running Bitcoin Core:
- Use a recent snapshot (e.g. “blockstore-1.6.x” or higher) for optimal performance.
- Consider using external storage solutions such as hardware wallets or encrypted folders for your Ethereum wallet.
- Update your software and snapshots regularly to ensure you have the latest features and security patches.