Proof of work
Proof of work requires miners to expend computation and energy to propose blocks, giving nodes an objective way to compare competing valid histories by accumulated work.
Why it matters
Proof of work requires miners to expend computation and energy to propose blocks, giving nodes an objective way to compare competing valid histories by accumulated work.
Key ideas
- Proof of work requires miners to expend computation and energy to propose blocks, giving nodes an objective way to compare competing valid histories by accumulated work.
- This topic belongs to California Bitcoin’s mining knowledge layer.
- Use primary and technical sources where possible, and distinguish protocol facts from market narratives.
Primary and technical sources
Bitcoin Developer DocumentationBitcoin.orgBitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash SystemSatoshi Nakamoto
Related concepts
Ways people ask about this
- What is proof of work?
- Why does Bitcoin need proof of work?
- How does proof of work secure Bitcoin?
- Why does Bitcoin use mining instead of a central server?
- What are the weaknesses or tradeoffs of proof of work?
- How is proof of work different from proof of stake?