• Michael Willson
• May 23, 2024

 

What Is Proof of Work?

Proof of Work is known to be blockchain’s original consensus algorithm used by the first cryptocurrency, Bitcoin. However, the idea of the proof of work consensus mechanism existed before that. Only it was implemented the very first time for a blockchain platform.

Proof of work consensus protocol is a system that can work with a suitable amount of effort to prevent the network from getting corrupted with miscellaneous activities. It is a decentralized consensus algorithm that uses the idea of including members who can solve mathematical problems or complex equations in order to prevent the system from getting jammed or hacked by anyone. PoW is widely used in cryptocurrency mining, especially bitcoin runs on a proof of work consensus algorithm. Here miners solve the equations, and then a new block is created, which is then further sent to the ledger. PoW is used in cryptocurrencies where miners are needed to mine the new blocks/tokens, and validation of transactions is required.  This enables miners to gain profit in return for their mining skills. They get rewarded with some amount of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. 

This algorithm uses SAH-266 hash functions, which provides a robust mechanism for the system, thus, resulting in a highly secured peer-to-peer network. Hence, no central authority is required in this system. Also, Proof of work requires a massive amount of energy at scaling. It only increases when the number of miners increases and the network grows. To overcome this issue, Proof of Stake is used and considered as an alternative to Proof of work. 

To know more about the Proof of Work consensus algorithm, you must look at Bitcoin blockchain technology and understand the working of bitcoin and its consensus algorithm in detail.

What Is Proof-of-Stake? 

In the Proof of stake consensus algorithm, the miners who hold the maximum number of coins can only approve the transaction. In short, the miners will have more power if they have more coins.  It has been an alternative to the Proof of Work consensus mechanism. The Proof of work has some limitations, which mainly include high energy consumption. Therefore to remove this disadvantage, Proof of stake has been introduced. It depends on currency power rather than computational power, reducing electricity consumption and making it an eco-friendly consensus algorithm. 

The blockchain platform, Ethereum actively works on the Proof of stake consensus protocol.  Also, altcoins use the concept of proof of stake, which is less attacked by the miners.  It is sometimes considered more secure than that of the Proof of Work consensus algorithm. In Proof of stake, the validators who have a maximum number of tokens or coins in their wallet can mine the next block. These validators then approve and verify the transaction and add it to the next block on the blockchain distributed ledger.  The maximum stakeholder in the network has the advantage and more power.  

To understand the PoS consensus algorithm in a better way, you must have some basic knowledge about Ethereum blockchain technology and its working.

Proof of Work Vs. Proof of Stake

For understanding both the consensus algorithm in detail, you must know the difference between them. Proof of work differs from Proof of Stake, and we will be discussing some significant differences below, considering some specific parameters. 

• Energy Consumption

When considering the energy consumption parameter, proof of work has high energy and electricity consumption. In comparison, proof of stake has low energy consumption. For PoS, the energy consumption could range from low to moderate.  

• Tools Required 

For proof of work consensus protocol, heavy equipment like computers with GPU and hard drives are used. The computer must have high efficiency to perform these mining operations. 

On the other hand, Proof of Stake does not require any tools or equipment as heavy computation of Nounce value bus complex activity is avoided.  

• Security 

In terms of security, proof of work offers high security in terms of security as miners have to crack the hash functions to create or validate the new block. Whereas, Proof of stake also creates a secure network and locks the crypto. However, several times the security remains untested in proof of stake. 

• Rewards

In Proof of work, the rewards are given to the first miner who solves the equation. The rewards are in the form of bitcoin. On the other hand, proof of stake does not offer block or coin rewards. Therefore the validators take the transaction fees instead. 

Conclusion

So far, we have discussed about the proof of work and proof of stake. Also, covered the significant differences. You can also trade and learn cryptocurrency basics in detail and become a Cryptocurrency Expert. To know more about Cryptocurrency training, check out Blockchain Council. You can get various blockchain certifications that will provide you better skill set when working in the blockchain world.