Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS) are two main consensus mechanisms used in blockchain networks. Here's a quick overview of their key differences:
Quick Comparison:
| Feature | Proof of Work (PoW) | Proof of Stake (PoS) |
|---|---|---|
| Consensus method | Solving puzzles | Staking cryptocurrency |
| Energy use | High | Low |
| Hardware needs | Specialized mining equipment | Standard computer |
| Network security | Based on computational power | Based on economic stake |
| Scalability | Limited | More scalable |
| Examples | Bitcoin, Litecoin | Ethereum 2.0, Cardano |
This article explains the main differences between PoW and PoS, including their mechanisms, key components, security aspects, energy use, network control, and reward systems.