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What Is the Fundamental Difference between Proof-of-Work and Proof-of-Stake Consensus Mechanisms?

Proof-of-Work (PoW) relies on miners expending computational power (energy) to solve complex mathematical problems to validate transactions and secure the network. Proof-of-Stake (PoS) relies on validators locking up (staking) their existing cryptocurrency holdings to achieve consensus.

PoS is generally considered more energy-efficient and does not require specialized mining hardware.

How Does Proof-of-Stake (PoS) Differ from Proof-of-Work (PoW)?
Compare and Contrast the Security Implications of Proof-of-Work (PoW) versus Proof-of-Stake (PoS)
How Does Proof-of-Stake (PoS) Differ from Proof-of-Work and Why Is It Preferred for Some Financial Applications?
Contrast Proof-of-Work (PoW) and Proof-of-Stake (PoS)