# Nodes

æternity nodes are the backbone of the blockchain network, responsible for maintaining the distributed ledger, processing transactions, and participating in consensus. Each node can serve different purposes - from full nodes that maintain the complete blockchain state and validate transactions, to mining nodes that participate in block creation, to API nodes that provide interfaces for applications. Nodes communicate with each other using various protocols for synchronization, gossip-based message propagation, and mining coordination, enabling the decentralized operation of the æternity network.\
\
The [Nodes Documentation](https://docs.aeternity.com/aeternity-developer-tools/protocol/network-layer/broken-reference) describes how to install, configure and operate an aeternity node. One can install it from a package, run a docker image or build it themselves. There is also additional documentation on mining with CUDA and build and/or join a Stratum pool.\
\
The [Node API Documentation](https://app.gitbook.com/s/yxhRUAwn7tH8JUboTur7/aeternity/docs/api) provides comprehensive coverage of the node's API functionalities, including the core API that enables interaction with the blockchain, the specialized Channels WebSocket API for state channel operations, and detailed guidance on utilizing the user API for common blockchain interactions. This documentation serves as an essential reference for developers working with æternity nodes, whether they're building applications, implementing state channels, or integrating with the blockchain.\
\
The [Node API ](https://api-docs.aeternity.io/#/)can be found on its own webpage. 

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Protocol Node Documentation</td><td><a href="https://app.gitbook.com/s/yxhRUAwn7tH8JUboTur7/protocol/node">node</a></td><td><a href="https://839505583-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FggVl0Jqy6Dd8f38hGk63%2Fuploads%2FO7MHc7XJYKrtCX2zPCz5%2Fflip-30deg-gradient2.svg?alt=media&#x26;token=9a5fcdda-f853-495e-a65b-ac9c4272af37">flip-30deg-gradient2.svg</a></td></tr><tr><td>Node API Reference</td><td><a href="https://app.gitbook.com/s/yxhRUAwn7tH8JUboTur7/aeternity/docs/api">Node API</a></td><td><a href="https://839505583-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FggVl0Jqy6Dd8f38hGk63%2Fuploads%2FuCuUz6N9JVi7JNEARpet%2F30deg-gradient.svg?alt=media&#x26;token=14b19a78-76dd-40be-b953-2b92048cd356">30deg-gradient.svg</a></td></tr><tr><td>Node API Swagger site</td><td><a href="https://api-docs.aeternity.io/#/">https://api-docs.aeternity.io/#/</a></td><td><a href="https://839505583-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FggVl0Jqy6Dd8f38hGk63%2Fuploads%2FFg8uXb2tgWcUjB3yscps%2Fflip-30deg-gradient.svg?alt=media&#x26;token=7011595e-bad7-4b5e-926e-501080d42820">flip-30deg-gradient.svg</a></td></tr></tbody></table>