Tech moves fast! Stay ahead of the curve with Techopedia!
Join nearly 200,000 subscribers who receive actionable tech insights from Techopedia.
Proof of Stake (PoS)
Definition - What does Proof of Stake (PoS) mean?
Proof of stake (PoS) is a method for cryptocurrency verification through distributed consensus. In a proof of stake system, stakeholders are chosen as creators of a block through analyzing criteria combined with randomization.
Techopedia explains Proof of Stake (PoS)
The general idea of proof of stake is meant to provide an algorithm that equalizes probability for figuring out a selection process for block creators. Some additional elements include delegated proof of stake protocols that use various nodes, and randomized proof of stake which, again, uses the principle of randomization.
An alternate method is to use proof of work, where the mining work is actually documented and acts as proof of transaction or asset status. However, proof of work is more energy intensive, and so proof of stake can be a way of saving resources.
![[Free Report] Salesforce CRM vs. Oracle Sales Cloud](http://cdn.techopedia.com/images/uploads/salesforce-vs-oracle1.jpg?mode=fit&width=200&height=150)
![[Free eGuide] No Bugs, No Stress - Your Step by Step Guide to Creating Life-Changing Software Without Destroying Your Life](http://cdn.techopedia.com/images/uploads/w_rafb01c8w.jpg?mode=fit&width=200&height=150)
![[Techopedia Exclusive] Increase DevOps team productivity and efficiency.](http://cdn.techopedia.com/images/uploads/lp-docdownload-devops-guide-aad.jpg?mode=fit&width=200&height=150)
