What is Proof of Work?

Proof of Work (PoW): Mechanism for Preventing Double Spending

Many cryptocurrencies resort to using the Proof of Work (PoW) mechanism as a consensus algorithm, which ensures the security of the registry. This algorithm, first introduced by Satoshi Nakamoto in the Bitcoin whitepaper in 2008, is the first and most popular way to achieve consensus. However, the PoW technology was proposed long before that, in the form of HashCash, created by Adam Back. This tool was designed to combat spam by requiring a certain amount of computation before sending an email.

What is Double Spending?

Double spending occurs when the same funds are spent multiple times. This term is primarily used in the context of digital currency, where such action becomes a reality due to the digital nature of assets. In the real world, such a situation is inconceivable; for example, you cannot pay for the same coffee twice with the same bill. In the digital sphere, this can be compared to duplicating a file, allowing it to be sent to multiple recipients simultaneously.

Why is Proof of Work Needed?

To understand the role of Proof of Work, it is important to grasp the process of transactions in the blockchain. Transactions become valid only after being verified and added to the blockchain. The blockchain is an open database where the history of transactions can be traced. Proof of Work ensures that users will not spend funds they are not entitled to spend, by updating the blockchain in accordance with the rules of the system. This mechanism ensures the reliability and security of the network, preventing double spending and maintaining the integrity of the registry even with a large number of participants.

How Does the Proof of Work Mechanism (PoW) Work?

Unlike a simple notebook where transactions are added one after another, in the blockchain, they are grouped into blocks, which are then added to the chain after confirmation. This process requires computational resources and time.

Hashing and Proof of Work

Miners creating blocks must use their own resources to hash block data. This involves transforming information into a unique code, which serves as the "fingerprint" of the block. However, to find the correct code (hash), miners have to make thousands or even millions of attempts.

Finding the Correct Hash

Miners attempt to guess a hash that meets certain protocol rules. This process is called mining. They use transaction information and other data to generate a hash. Additionally, they add some variable data to change the hash output. This variable data, called nonce, makes the hashing process unique.

Adding the Block to the Chain

When a miner finds a suitable hash, the block is considered valid and added to the blockchain. Other network participants update their copies of the blockchain to include the new block.

Proof of Work and Proof of Stake

While Proof of Work remains one of the most widely used consensus mechanisms, there is an alternative called Proof of Stake (PoS). In PoS, validators do not mine but stake their tokens as collateral. This is a less energy-intensive method, but its implementation is still pending in major blockchains.

Conclusion

Proof of Work ensures the security and reliability of the blockchain, allowing participants to independently verify transactions and update the registry. Currently, mining is the most common way to achieve consensus in decentralized networks.