> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://geodb.gitbook.io/odin-protocol/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://geodb.gitbook.io/odin-protocol/before-getting-started.md).

# Before Getting Started

### About ODIN

Open Data Interoperable Network (ODIN) is a decentralized system designed to build a data oracle network based on an open protocol for interaction between participants and a sustainable economy. In addition to organizing the data oracle network, ODIN involves building a decentralized peer-to-peer data sharing and trading ecosystem for delivering real-world data to onchain for various use cases such as DeFi, betting, forecasting apps, or NFT. Go to [odinprotocol.io](https://odinprotocol.io) for the whitepaper, token economics paper, and more.

#### What is an ODIN Node?

Forked from Band Protocol's [BandChain](https://github.com/bandprotocol/chain) project, with a toolset customized to work with the ODIN project. A node participates in the decentralized network by keeping a copy of the ledger (transaction log) and audits the ledger to ensure all transactions obey the rules of the protocol. Additionally, any node can ask to become a validator. A validator is elected by votes from network users. The validator's role is to form, propose, verify, and confirm blocks in the chain. Validators perform a similar role to auditors, but with authority.

#### Why Run an ODIN Node?

There are many reasons you may want to run a node.

* Running a node allows you to create and maintain an ODIN wallet completely within your control. 
* Running a node as a validator earns you ODIN tokens.
* Running a node as an auditor, then delegate, is how you enter into the voting pool to become a validator.