Definition
A validator set is the current group of validator nodes authorized to participate in block production and consensus for a blockchain, typically under a Proof of Stake model. It represents the active subset of all potential validators that have met the protocol’s requirements and are recognized by the network for a given period, often aligned with an epoch or similar rotation interval.
In Simple Terms
A validator set is the official list of validators that are allowed to help confirm and finalize transactions on a blockchain at a given time. Only validators in this set are treated by the network as active participants in consensus during the relevant period.
Context and Usage
The term validator set is commonly used in protocol specifications, staking documentation, and discussions of network security. It is central to describing who currently has consensus authority, how that authority is organized over epochs, and how penalties such as slashing apply to misbehaving participants. Changes to the validator set are often key events in governance, upgrades, and staking dynamics.