> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.melproject.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.melproject.org/developer-guides/run-a-full-node.md).

# Run a full node

**Full nodes** replicate every consensus-confirmed block, validating their contents and ensuring network security while providing a local cache of the entire blockchain state. Running a full node helps contribute to the security and performance of the network.

**Melnode** is the reference implementation of a Mel full node. This guide will teach you how to run Melnode.