What is Proof of Stake?
In Proof of Stake, validators lock up cryptocurrency as collateral and are chosen to propose blocks based on stake. Misbehaviour is punished by slashing part of their stake. PoS uses far less energy than Proof of Work and is used by Ethereum and many other chains.
Why Proof of Stake matters
Understanding Proof of Stake is part of building a solid mental model of how Bitcoin, blockchain and Web3 systems actually work. Concepts in the Blockchain category sit at the foundation of the broader stack — get them right and the rest is far easier.
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Reading the definition is a start. ZeroToBlock teaches concepts like Proof of Stake through hands-on, browser-based simulations. Build the mental model by actually using it:
- Bitcoin 101 — interactive fundamentals course
- Bitcoin Proof of Work — mining, hashing and consensus
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Related terms
- Consensus Mechanism — The rules a network uses to agree on the canonical chain.
- Proof of Work — A consensus mechanism that requires computational work to add blocks.
- Ethereum — A programmable blockchain that supports smart contracts.
More blockchain terms
- Block — A bundle of transactions added to the blockchain.
- Blockchain — A chained, append-only ledger of blocks.
- Fork — A divergence in the blockchain or its rules.
- Node — A computer participating in the blockchain network.
- Reorganization (Reorg) — Replacing recent blocks with a competing chain that has more work.
- Transaction — A signed instruction that updates the blockchain state.
- Block Time — Average interval between consecutive blocks.
- Genesis Block — The first block in a blockchain.
Keep exploring
Continue with the full blockchain glossary — 136 terms in total — or read the developer blog and FAQ for deeper context.