0

I have been reading about bitcoin and blockchain in the last few days, but I have something I don't clearly understand.

The "proof of work" may take a long time for a simple node to guess, but if we combine all nodes, they guess it in 10 minutes. Now lets say another node guessed it faster than me, how do I know when I should stop my proof of work algorithm? Is there any point on keep trying to guess it? When do you start trying to guess the next proof of work?

Hope the question is clear.

Improve this question

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2

Now lets say another node guessed it faster than me, how do I know when I should stop my proof of work algorithm?

When do you start trying to guess the next proof of work?

Whenever a node successfully solves a proof-of-work it immediately broadcasts it to the whole network. So whenever you hear a block that you are trying to solve you should stop and start mining a fresh block on top of the newly received block

Improve this answer
1
  • NOTE: There is an attack called "Selfish mining strategy" where a node does not immediately broadcast a newly mined block. (You may leave it until you become clear with the basics)
    – sourav
    Commented Jan 14, 2018 at 17:37

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.