There has been a surge in the popularity of cryptocurrencies since Satoshi Nakamoto released Bitcoin back in 2009. It is the fact that cryptocurrencies are not supported by any authority or government that distinguishes them from traditional currencies. Therefore cryptocurrencies are produced by mining rather than a centralised system.
On a blockchain, miners must solve mathematical puzzles to generate a new BTC or other cryptocurrencies. However, crypto mining comes with lots of disadvantages. The most important disadvantage is the intensive amount of energy used for mining. It is because the Proof of Work (PoW) system is used while mining. In the event that a miner successfully solves a mathematical problem and has to verify the transaction, he or she employs the Proof-of-Work protocol and adds blocks to the blockchain’s ledger. On the other hand, considering the intense costs of power, it is not logical anymore. What’s next? Continue reading.
Proof of Stake (PoS)
Today, lots of miners use the Proof of Stake algorithms that has emerged out in response to the high usage of electricity. To put it simply, cryptocurrency staking means accumulating tokens that will be used to validate transactions on the blockchain. Using a lot of mining equipment to make the blockchain secure is no longer necessary thanks to a revolutionary protocol that does not require as much energy. Let’s try to make it more understandable by comparing it to Proof of Work and pointing out the differences. To add a block to the blockchain, PoW needs miners to solve a mathematical problem, whereas PoS requires people to stake coins on the blockchain in order to add a block. In terms of importance, the next difference between PoW and PoS is glaring. Because PoS does not require mining hardware that consumes a lot of energy, it is regarded to be a more environmentally friendly alternative to Proof of Work. Last but not least, PoS participants have a better shot at winning rewards.
How does Staking work?
Putting your crypto assets into a proof-of-stake blockchain for an extended period of time is what “staking” is all about, and it’s really simple. It is vital to lock these assets in order to secure the network and ensure the authenticity of every new transaction that is recorded in a blockchain. Participants in a Proof-of-Stake blockchain are referred to as “validators”. The network compensates validators with new coins for managing their assets and providing services to the blockchain, in exchange for their efforts.
Staking in crypto begins with the buying of a predetermined quantity of tokens in the network. Please keep in mind that crypto staking can only be accomplished in a network that supports the Proof of Stake protocol. Once the purchase is finalized, the user will be prompted to secure their holdings by following the instructions provided by the network’s creators for each network in which they participate. The instructions given will walk you through a staking transaction to completion in a matter of minutes.
