What is Proof of Work?
The short answer
A consensus method (used by Bitcoin) where network security comes from competing computing power.
Proof-of-work networks are secured by miners competing to solve computational puzzles, making it extremely expensive to attempt to rewrite transaction history. It is energy-intensive by design — that cost is part of what makes it secure.
Related terms
Full glossaryNode
A computer that keeps a copy of a blockchain's full transaction history and helps verify new transactions.
All-Time High (ATH)
The highest price a cryptocurrency has ever reached.
Exchange
A platform where you can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies, usually for traditional currency.
Hot Wallet
A wallet connected to the internet, like a phone app — convenient, but more exposed than a cold…
Airdrop
Free distribution of a new token to existing holders of another crypto or to early users of a…
Public Key / Wallet Address
The "account number" you can safely share so people can send you crypto.
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