Unlocking Scripts

Validation on every node on the Bitcoin network acts as a vigilant guard, verifying transactions before they are added to the blockchain. This validation process heavily involves scrutinizing both the locking and unlocking scripts. Each input within a transaction references a previous unspent transaction output (UTXO) and carries its own unlocking script. Retrieving the locking script involves validating software that retrieves the UTXO referenced by the input and extracts the corresponding locking script from that UTXO. The validator then performs a critical step. Think of it as solving a two-part puzzle. The transaction is considered valid only if the unlocking script successfully fulfills the requirements set forth by the locking script. This ensures that the spender possesses the necessary authorization to access the bitcoins. Each input within a transaction undergoes this validation process independently. All inputs must be valid for the entire transaction to be accepted.