BlockchainBeginner

Proof of work

A mechanism that requires computational work to qualify a candidate block for acceptance.

PLAIN-ENGLISH DEFINITION

In more detail

Bitcoin miners repeatedly hash candidate block headers, looking for a result below the network's target. Finding one demonstrates work, but it isn't permission to ignore the rest of the rules. Nodes still check the block's transactions and other requirements before accepting it into their chain.

IN THE WILD

How you might use it

A miner finds a header hash that meets the target, then broadcasts the block for nodes to check.

A mechanical hashing engine creates many abstract candidate tiles; one meets a lime target gate and reaches a separate node-checking station.
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WORD NOTES
Short name
PoW

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