Pruned node

In plain words

A pruned node does everything a full node does: it downloads and checks every block from the beginning. But after checking, it deletes old block data to save disk space, keeping only what's needed to verify new payments — the list of unspent coins. Security is identical, because nothing skipped the checking. The costs: it can't serve old blocks to other nodes, and restoring an old wallet means downloading again.

Why it matters

• Full-node security on a small disk — fits cheap hardware.
• Makes "run your own node" realistic for almost anyone.
• The checking isn't outsourced — only the storage shrinks.

Not to be confused with

• Light client — trusts others to check. A pruned node trusts nothing; it just stores less.

Go deeper

• Full node
• Initial block download
• Node hardware