What validators do in XRP Ledger consensus and why validator logic matters for understanding XRPL.

What validators are

Validators are servers that participate in the XRP Ledger consensus process by sharing proposals and validations.

What validators are not

Validators are not Bitcoin-style miners. They do not compete through proof of work to produce blocks.

Why validator choice matters

Each server listens to a chosen set of validators. This is why validator selection and UNL logic are important for understanding XRPL consensus.

Validators and agreement

The purpose of validators is to help the network agree on ledger state and transaction ordering, not to issue investment signals or guarantee asset value.

How to read validator documentation

Read validators together with the UNL concept and ledger close process. Together, these ideas form the practical core of XRP Ledger consensus.