# Validator Node

> The essentials for running a Mina validator node — hardware requirements, key generation, staking, querying data, and logging.

Canonical URL: https://docs.minaprotocol.com/node-operators/validator-node/

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The essentials for running a Mina validator node.
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This section covers everything you need to set up and operate a basic Mina validator node — from initial requirements through day-to-day operations.

## Setup

1. **[Requirements](/node-operators/validator-node/requirements)** -- Hardware, software, and network requirements for each node type.
2. **[Installing on Ubuntu and Debian](/node-operators/validator-node/installing-on-ubuntu-and-debian)** -- Install Mina packages for Mainnet or Devnet on Ubuntu and Debian.
3. **[Generating a Key Pair](/node-operators/validator-node/generating-a-keypair)** -- Generate wallet and libp2p key pairs needed for node operation.
4. **[Connect to Mainnet or Devnet](/node-operators/validator-node/connecting-to-the-network)** -- Start your validator and connect it to the target network.

## Operations

5. **[Staking and Snarking](/node-operators/validator-node/staking-and-snarking)** -- Participate in consensus through staking, delegate MINA, and configure SNARK workers.
6. **[Querying Data](/node-operators/validator-node/querying-data)** -- Query blockchain data from your running node via GraphQL.
7. **[Logging](/node-operators/validator-node/logging)** -- Understand log files, log levels, and how to export logs for debugging.

## Next Steps

Once your validator is running, explore advanced node configurations:

- [Block Producer](/node-operators/block-producer-node) -- Produce blocks and earn rewards
- [SNARK Worker](/node-operators/snark-workers) -- Generate zk-SNARKs and earn fees
- [Archive Node](/node-operators/archive-node) -- Maintain historical blockchain data