What is Proof of Work (PoW)?

Proof of Work (PoW) is a blockchain consensus mechanism first popularized by the Bitcoin blockchain. Proof-of-Work systems rely on a mining process to maintain the network. Miners utilize electricity and computer hardware and compete to solve the complex cryptographic puzzles required to confirm transacted network data, and are rewarded with the network's underlying cryptographic coin for doing so. Proof-of-Work blockchain systems are more decentralized and secure than most networks, but typically struggle to achieve the network scalability needed for global adoption. Proof of Work is also criticized for its high energy intensivity.