Mining
Mining is the process of creating new coins and validating transactions on Proof of Work blockchains.
Quick Reference:
Proof of Work. Validates Transactions. High Energy Consumption.
Expanded Explanation:
In mining, computers (miners) compete to solve puzzles that secure the blockchain. The first miner to solve it adds a block of transactions and receives a reward in new coins plus transacction fees. Bitcoin is the most famous example of mining. While secure, it requires large amounts of energy and specialised machines, making it less accessible for everyday users.