Proof of Work vs. Proof of Stake: A Comparison of Two Blockchain Consensus Algorithms
Cryptocurrencies use two primary consensus techniques to evaluate transactions made, add them to the blockchain, & produce new tokens: “proof of work” and “proof of stake.” Bitcoin was the first to introduce the concept of Proof of work, which relies on mining to accomplish its objectives. Cardano, the ETH2 blockchain, is now using Proof of Stake to achieve the same purpose through staking.
Without a centralized power like Visa or PayPal in the middle, decentralized cryptocurrency networks must ensure that no one spends the same money again. A “consensus mechanism,” which is a system that allows all the workstations in a cryptography network to agree on which transactions are legal, is used to accomplish this.
Consensus techniques are employed by the majority of cryptocurrencies. Proof of Stake is the newer two engaged in Ethereum 1.0, Bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies. Ethereum 2.0, Cardano, Tezos, and other (usually newer) cryptocurrencies are powered by Proof of Stake, a more unique consensus method. We’ve linked Proof of stake and Proof of labor in this explainer because it’s essential to understand each other first.
Understanding the Proof of Work
In the early days of cryptography, a consensus process known as Proof of work was all that was available. The concepts of Proof of work & mining are intertwined. Because the network demands so much computing power, it is referred to as “proof of work.” To secure and verify Proof-of-Work (PoW) blockchains, virtual miners worldwide compete to solve a mathematical challenge. The network rewards the winner with a set amount of cryptocurrency for updating the blockchain with more recent verified transactions.
Even for a simple but precious cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, Proof of work has several distinct advantages. Decentralized blockchains can be maintained safely and securely using this method. Increased mining power and security are achieved when the worth of crypto rises. Anyone or any party trying to tamper with the blockchain of a valuable cryptocurrency would be ineffective because of the sheer amount of computing power required.
Ethereum-compatible blockchains like Ethereum could generate a massive amount of transactions, but this energy-intensive mechanism may not be able to keep up with them. Proof of Stake, the most popular alternative, has been developed as a result.
Understanding Proof of Stake
Decentralized finance (also known as DeFi) protocols powered by Ethereum have grown in popularity. Still, the blockchain has been unable to keep up with the increased demand, resulting in higher transaction fees. Ethereum’s developers were aware from the start that Proof of work will indeed present scalability limitations that would ultimately need to be overcome.
In contrast to Bitcoin’s blockchain, Ethereum has to process a wide range of stablecoin smart contracts, DeFi transactions, NFT minting, and any new innovations that developers may come up with in the future much like a massive cheque book.
As a result, they’ve begun rolling out a whole new ETH2 blockchain in December 2020, and it’s expected to be done by 2022. In the improved version of Ethereum, Proof of stake, a faster consensus method, and much less resource expense will be used. Many cryptocurrencies, like Cardano, Tezos, and Atmos, use proof-of-stake consensus procedures to increase speed and efficiency while cutting fees.
As in a proof of work system, staking is the mechanism by which a network member is chosen to add the latest set of payments to the blockchain & receive some coin in exchange.
Specifics differ from one proof-of-stake blockchain project to the next, but in general, a network of “validators” who contribute or “stake” their own cryptocurrency in exchange for the chance to validate new transactions, update the blockchain and earn a reward is used.
The Critical Difference Between These Two
One key distinction between the two settlement procedures is the amount of energy they use. Proof-of-stake blockchains allow networks to run with significantly reduced resource usage because miners don’t have to spend energy on duplicate operations attempting to solve the same puzzle.
A financial penalty for network outages is imposed by both consensus procedures designed to thwart malevolent actors. If a miner submits an invalid block, they will be penalized with the computing power, electricity, and time they’ve already expended. Validators are financially motivated to perform in the network’s best interest is Proof of Stake because of their staked crypto money. There will be a deduction from the staked funds if a validator approves a faulty block. It is determined by the network how much of a validator could be sliced.
