What Is Proof of Work (PoW)?

Proof of Work (PoW) is a consensus mechanism used by many blockchains, including Bitcoin, to validate transactions and add new blocks to the chain.

In PoW, miners use computing power to solve complex mathematical puzzles. The first miner to successfully solve this puzzle gets the right to add a block to the blockchain and in return, receives a certain amount of crypto assets.

The main characteristic of PoW is the need for high computing power, which means it requires large amounts of electrical energy. This makes PoW a much-debated topic, especially regarding its environmental impact. Although PoW is considered a secure and proven mechanism in maintaining network integrity, its energy efficiency is a major concern, prompting the exploration of alternatives such as Proof of Stake (PoS).

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