ASIC resistance refers to a cryptocurrency’s design characteristic that makes it impractical for specialized hardware, known as Application-Specific Integrated Circuits, to mine its tokens efficiently. This design aims to maintain decentralized mining by allowing general-purpose hardware, such as CPUs or GPUs, to remain competitive. It works by employing proof-of-work algorithms that are memory-intensive or otherwise unsuitable for ASIC optimization. The goal is to prevent mining centralization that could arise from the significant cost and performance advantages of ASICs.
Context
The discussion around ASIC resistance centers on network decentralization and security. Protocols frequently consider ASIC resistance to protect against potential 51% attacks and to ensure a broader distribution of mining power among participants. The ongoing development of new mining algorithms often seeks to improve ASIC resistance, responding to the constant innovation in ASIC technology. This remains a significant factor in evaluating the long-term health and governance of various blockchain networks.
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