GlossaryBeginner
Mining
The process of using computing power to validate transactions and secure a proof-of-work network.
Mining is the process, used in proof-of-work networks, of using computing power to solve a mathematical puzzle in order to validate transactions, propose the next block, and earn a block reward.
Mining also helps secure the network: the computational cost involved makes it expensive to attempt to rewrite past transaction history.
Examples
- Bitcoin relies on mining as part of its proof-of-work consensus process.
- Mining requires specialized hardware and meaningful amounts of electricity to be competitive.