Proof of Work (PoW)
A consensus mechanism where miners solve complex puzzles to validate transactions and earn rewards.
intermediate
technology
Explained Simply
Proof of Work is the original consensus mechanism used by Bitcoin. Miners compete to solve mathematical puzzles, and the winner gets to add the next block of transactions to the blockchain and earn rewards. This process is energy-intensive by design — it makes it economically impractical to attack the network. Bitcoin's PoW is considered the most secure consensus mechanism but is criticized for energy consumption.
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