Verifiable Work

Definition ∞ Verifiable work refers to a computational task where the completion of the work can be easily and publicly confirmed by others, often with significantly less effort than the work itself. In blockchain, this is fundamental to proof-of-work systems, where miners expend computational resources to solve a puzzle, and network participants quickly verify the solution. It ensures the integrity of the ledger.
Context ∞ News about blockchain consensus mechanisms, particularly proof-of-work, frequently discusses verifiable work as the core principle securing these networks. The efficiency and security of verification are critical for maintaining decentralization and preventing attacks. Debates often involve the trade-offs between the energy consumption of verifiable work and the security it provides.