A technical deep-dive into Ghost's architecture, protocols, BUDS classification, pruning model, and consensus mechanisms.
Ghost is a Bitcoin-compatible node distribution that enhances Bitcoin's infrastructure without modifying consensus rules. Every Ghost node validates blocks exactly as Bitcoin Core does.
All Ghost features operate at the policy layer — meaning they affect how nodes communicate, store data, and build blocks, but never change what makes a block valid.
Ghost consists of four tightly integrated modules that work together to provide a complete node environment.
Running the complete Ghost stack unlocks benefits unavailable with traditional Bitcoin nodes.
BUDS (Bitcoin Unified Data Standard) is a classification system that categorizes transaction data into tiers based on their purpose and importance.
Ghost uses BUDS for pruning decisions, mempool filtering, and template shaping — all without affecting consensus validity.
Ghost introduces a structured pruning model with three distinct windows, ensuring both storage efficiency and consensus safety.
VW (576 blocks, ~4 days): Always stored in full. Fixed and non-configurable. Ensures reorg safety and consensus re-validation. Never pruned.
OW (Configurable, 7-30 days): The only window where BUDS-based pruning occurs. Default: keep T0, T1, T2; prune T3. Operators can customize.
AW (Archive Mode): Full chain history with zero pruning. Required for Ghost Pay channel reconstruction. Earns +5 shares reward.
Ghost Mode is a privacy-preserving operational mode that makes your node invisible to the network while still participating in mining and block submission.
When a block is found, Ghost's BFT consensus ensures all nodes agree on the payout distribution.
A miner on a Ghost node finds a valid block. The block is immediately broadcast to the Bitcoin network. The node receives 100% TX fees via coinbase.
All Ghost nodes freeze their share ledger for this round. No more shares accepted for the completed round.
Each node calculates and broadcasts their payout proposal based on the deterministic formula.
Nodes vote on proposals. 67% agreement required. If not reached, median calculation used as fallback.
The finding node creates and broadcasts the payout transaction. All nodes verify before relaying.
The first 101 nodes to register become Elder nodes. Elders receive +1 share permanently, incentivizing early network participation.
Rules:
Ghost gives operators full control over mempool acceptance, block template construction, and pruning behaviour.
Ghost Node provides a professional operator experience with multiple interfaces.
Ghost supports multiple mining configurations to fit any operator's needs.
Ghost Pay is a Bitcoin-native L2 payment system designed for speed and privacy.
Wraith Protocol provides the privacy layer for Ghost Pay, enabling unlinkable transactions.