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ZIGChain Validators Overview

TL;DR: ZIGChain validators secure the chain under Tendermint BFT. Active validators rank by total stake. Validators and delegators earn rewards; slashing applies for rule breaks or poor uptime.

ZIGChain Validators Overview​

ZIGChain is a decentralized blockchain network powered by the Tendermint Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT) protocol. ZIGChain relies on a network of validators to propose and verify new blocks. Validators play a crucial role in maintaining network security and operability by participating in the consensus process, validating transactions, and ensuring high uptime.

Validators can secure ZIGChain by staking their own tokens or receiving delegated ZIG from other token holders (delegators). ZIGChain currently has 13 active validators, but that number can grow through governance over time. The top validators with the most ZIG staked will be selected as Active Validators, ranked by the total amount of ZIG staked.

Both validators and delegators can earn ZIG for participating in block validation, with rewards coming from block rewards and transaction fees. Validators can also set a commission on delegator rewards to generate additional income.

To maintain high security and accountability, validators can be slashed and penalized for violating network rules or failing to meet performance requirements. The penalties can include slashing a portion of the ZIG staked by both the validator and their delegators. The severity of the punishment varies based on the offense.

Key Concepts​

  • Validator: A full node on ZIGChain that proposes and verifies blocks and joins the Tendermint BFT consensus process
  • Active Validators: Validators with enough total ZIG staked to join the active set, validate blocks, and earn rewards while in the set
  • Delegator: A token holder who delegates ZIG to validators to add stake without running a full node
  • Active Validator Set: The ranked group of active validators chosen by total stake, including self-stake and tokens delegated by others
  • Tendermint BFT: The Byzantine Fault Tolerance protocol ZIGChain uses so validators agree on valid blocks
  • Slashing: A penalty that removes bonded ZIG when a validator breaks rules or fails performance and uptime targets
  • Commission: A fee rate validators set on delegator rewards for validation services and node operations

Becoming a Validator in ZIGChain​

Becoming a validator requires both technical expertise and a financial commitment. Validators must operate and maintain a full ZIGChain node, which requires:

  • Reliable internet connectivity,
  • Sufficient computational resources, and
  • Regular software maintenance to ensure optimal uptime and security.

Success as a validator extends beyond technical operations. Validators must also attract delegators to increase their total stake, which determines their ranking in the Active Validator Set and their ability to earn rewards. Many validators actively engage with the community to build trust and reputation.

For detailed guidance on becoming a validator, see Set Up a ZIGChain Validator for install, keys, and on-chain registration steps, and ZIGChain Validators FAQ for active validator selection, rewards, fees, slashing, and comparing validators before you delegate ZIG.