Description: A light client is a type of software that allows users to interact with a blockchain network without needing to download the entire blockchain. Unlike full clients, which store and verify all transactions and blocks, light clients only download a portion of the necessary information to validate transactions. This is achieved through techniques such as ‘Simplified Payment Verification’ (SPV), which enables light clients to verify the inclusion of transactions in blocks without requiring the complete chain. This feature is particularly useful for resource-limited devices, such as mobile phones or computers with low storage capacity. Light clients are essential for the accessibility and scalability of blockchain networks, as they allow more users to participate in the network without the need for powerful hardware or large amounts of disk space. Additionally, their use contributes to decentralization, as it enables more nodes to connect to the network, thereby increasing security and resilience against attacks. In the context of blockchain technology, light clients are crucial for facilitating interaction with decentralized applications (dApps), allowing users to perform transactions efficiently and quickly.
