Definition ∞ A cryptographic puzzle is a computational problem that is difficult to solve but easy to verify, fundamental to many blockchain consensus mechanisms. In Proof-of-Work systems, participants compete to find a specific hash value by performing numerous calculations. The solution to this puzzle proves that a significant amount of computational effort has been expended. This mechanism secures the network by making it economically impractical to falsify transaction history.
Context ∞ The design and difficulty of cryptographic puzzles are central to the security and energy consumption discussions surrounding Proof-of-Work blockchains. The integrity of the network relies on the inherent difficulty of these puzzles, which prevents malicious actors from easily altering the ledger. Ongoing debates consider alternative consensus methods that reduce the computational burden while maintaining similar security assurances. The continuous adjustment of puzzle difficulty ensures consistent block generation times despite changes in network computational power.
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