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Bitcoin Core runs independently from Electrum servers, correct? I mean, a node does not have to connect to a server because its got all the necessary information pertaining to interactions with the Bitcoin network?
My understanding is that an Electrum server needs to be installed on top of a node plus the Electrum wallet? Then, the server operates as a middleman between nodes and wallets to speed up the data interaction process?
I'm not certain these questions make sense. I do have a node package with Electrs installed and been using it a long time and connecting wallets to it but just now am I trying to better understand what I'm using.
The Electrum/EPS/Electrs repos have so far not enlightened me sufficiently. I suppose a diagram would be handy.
Yeah, you are basically right.
Two ways to look at it.
- It's a fancy Bitcoin node. But the rest of the network doesn't really care
- Bitcoin core is not that great at looking up the balance of random addresses. Which is why Electrum exists.
Electrum servers index the blockchain and interface with wallets.
While you can just use Bitcoin Core wallet functions- most personal nodes also run electrum servers to connect other types of wallets to the blockchain in a self-sovereign way.
https://github.com/spesmilo/electrum