Technology · Beginner lesson · about 6 minutes
Mining
How proof-of-work networks compete to order transactions.
The short answer
Miners use computing work and energy to propose blocks. Nodes independently verify that the block follows the network’s rules; miners do not get to rewrite the rules by themselves.
In plain English
Miners use computing work and energy to propose blocks. Nodes independently verify that the block follows the network’s rules; miners do not get to rewrite the rules by themselves.
This lesson belongs to the technology cluster. The details differ by network and service, so use the linked sources and the project’s own documentation when a decision depends on current behavior.
What can go wrong
Read this before you act.
Mining economics change with hardware, energy, fees, market price, and competition. Mining is not a guaranteed return.
Check your understanding
A few questions. Not a test.
Choose an answer to see why it is right or wrong. Nothing is locked behind a score.
Sources and corrections
This lesson is a starting point. When details matter, read the official pages we link below, and tell us if something needs a correction.