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Proof-of-work

Proof-of-work (PoW) is a blockchain consensus mechanism where miners compete to solve complex cryptographic puzzles to validate transactions and create new blocks. The first miner to solve the puzzle adds the block to the blockchain and receives a block reward and transaction fees as compensation. This process requires significant computational power and energy, making it resource-intensive but secure. Proof-of-work ensures network integrity by making it difficult for any single entity to manipulate the blockchain. PoW provides trustless transaction validation and secures decentralized networks like Bitcoin.