If you are new to the world of cryptocurrency, you may have seen some strange terms that may seem incomprehensible. In this very specific jargon, many terms are probably unknown to you, such as HODL, or the acronyms PoH, PoW and PoS. In this article, we will decipher the term PoS, the acronym for “Proof of Stake”.
Mis à jour le 11/26/2023 à 21:15
The Proof of Stake (PoS) is a consensus mechanism that took root in 2012 on the blockchain, the chain of cryptoassets. A consensus mechanism is a validation of entries in the database and the security of the latter. PoS, also known as “proof of stake”, will bring a whole new method of validating transactions. The latter is based not on the computing power of the blockchain algorithm, but on the stake/participation. The English “to stake” meaning “to bet”, “to participate”.
The first cryptocurrency to adopt Proof of Stake was the PeerCoin token in 2012, followed later by Cardano.
Proof of Stake differs from another similar mechanism namely, Proof of Work (PoW). Additionally, Proof of Stake tries to solve some problems in the cryptocurrency industry.
The insane consumption of electricity that Bitcoin requires to validate its transactions with the Proof of Work mechanism poses a real problem. Thus, proof of stake will significantly reduce the computation needed for verification, validation and block securing.
PoS will therefore use the assets of owners who wish to “stake” their tokens.
This crypto investment strategy is also called “staking”. It is renowned and appreciated by investors because it allows you to place your tokens and benefit from attractive interest.
Where the classic Proof of Work (PoW) algorithm requires the creation of new nodes on the blockchain via the computing power of users’ computers, PoS requires the staking of cryptocurrency assets linked to this new node.
This system is based on the principle that the more a node has a large amount of tokens, the more important it is for the blockchain and the security of the network.
Proof of Stake changes the way blocks are verified by directly involving blockchain users who stake their assets. These users pledge their assets to become validators of the new blockchain node.
In order to be a validator, the user must possess a defined amount of tokens. When enough validators have staked their tokens to verify that the new block is accurate, then the new block is validated, closed, and added to the already existing chain.
The selection of validators will be done as follows :
Although Proof of Stake still works on the principle we just described, it comes in different types. Here we have detailed the main ones, which are:
The acronym for Pure Proof of Stake (PPoS) is the form of Proof of Stake used by Algorand, a blockchain project aimed at developing decentralized applications (dApps)
Le PPoS offre des validations avec des exigences très basses de mises (stakes) pour participer à la sécurisation des transactions du réseau. De plus, il n’existe pas de sanctions pour prévenir les actions malveillantes sur la blockchain et autres failles de sécurité. Ce système permet d’ouvrir les portes à tous les utilisateurs !
PPoS offers validations with very low stakes requirements to help secure network transactions. Additionally, there are no penalties to prevent malicious actions on the blockchain and other security breaches. This system opens the doors to all users !
The proof of importance (PoI) integrates new factors to assess the level of influence of each block created:
The PoI takes into account the individual contribution of each user rather than the overall capital requirement as in a classic PoS.
Thus, it helps to spread the risk, as a handful of investors will not own all the assets and therefore will not have immense power over the network.
The Proof of Importance first saw the light of day with the New Economy Movement project.
Liquid Proof of Stake (LPoS) or liquid proof of stake is a PoS that allows crypto-asset owners to lend their validation rights to other users, all without giving up their right of ownership over the tokens concerned.
This allows them to keep some flexibility regarding their participation in the blockchain.
Small investors can thus group together, forming a pool to become validators of the network.
Among the popular cryptoassets operating on the principle of Proof of Stake, we have :
Ethereum Proof of Stake release date The Merge
Ethereum will also soon switch to the Proof of Stake consensus. This update will be part of several improvements that will arrive with ETH 2.0. The date of Ethereum 2.0 should be approximately end of year 2022 if there is no delay.
The difference between Proof of Work or Proof of Stake comes from the energy mobilized. A great advantage is given to the Proof of Stake which is inexpensive in energy. But the power of validation then tends to lean towards those who have the most capital, although solutions are provided, in particular thanks to the various PoS derivatives.
In the Proof of Stake vs Proof of Work fight, there really is no winner. Both approaches have their advantages and their qualities. However, for long-term development, Proof of Stake stands out for its ease and low cost.
⚠️ This article is published for informational purposes and should not be considered as investment advice. Crypto-currency trading involves risk and it is important not to invest more than you can afford to lose.
InvestX is not responsible for the quality of the products or services presented on this page and shall not be held liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused as a result of using any goods or services highlighted in this article. Investments related to crypto-assets are risky by nature, readers should do their own research before taking any action and only invest within the limits of their financial capabilities. This article does not constitute investment advice.
Web editor for many years and SEO specialist, Thomas became an editor for InvestX when the site was launched. Passionate about the field of crypto and Web3, Thomas has made it his mission to deliver maximum value and introduce readers to the world of blockchains, considered for him as the world of tomorrow.
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