---
description: >-
  Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how nodes operate within the VirtuCloud
  network:
---

# How Nodes Work

* **Transaction Processing:** When a user initiates a transaction on the VirtuCloud platform, nodes play a vital role in processing and validating that transaction. Full nodes ensure that the transaction adheres to the network's consensus rules before adding it to the blockchain.
* **Blockchain Maintenance:** Full nodes store the complete history of transactions, ensuring the integrity of the blockchain. They continuously update their copy of the blockchain to reflect the latest transactions and blocks added to the network.
* **Consensus Mechanism:** Nodes participate in the consensus mechanism, which is the process by which agreement is reached on which transactions are valid and should be added to the blockchain. This ensures that the network operates smoothly and securely.
