Crypto Mining

Crypto mining is the process of validating transactions and securing a blockchain network by solving complex cryptographic puzzles. In proof-of-work (PoW) systems like Bitcoin, miners compete to solve these puzzles, and the first to solve it gets the right to add a new block to the blockchain and earn a reward, usually in the form of new coins and transaction fees. Mining requires significant computational power, and as networks like Bitcoin have grown, mining has become more resource-intensive, often requiring specialized hardware known as ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits). Crypto mining is essential for maintaining the decentralized nature of many blockchain networks, as it ensures that no single entity controls the ledger. However, it has also been criticized for its high energy consumption, leading to the development of more energy-efficient consensus mechanisms like proof of stake (PoS).