# INTRODUCTION

Hi guys,
Welcome back to my blog. The week is fresh and I believe we are all having a fun filled week. Today I want to attempt task number 4 from the introductory courses in the steemit crypto academy. This lecture was delivered by our own dear professor in the person of @sapwood. The professor based his lecture on the topic CONSENSUS MECHANISM. After attending his class I have resolve to solve the assignment task given by the professor at the end of his lecture. Now stay at alert as you go through my homework post.

![images (3).jpeg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmXtKiYq7iTmF3ompCwk59qz7sQzPoq54D2EvUByGd9v15/images%20(3).jpeg) [Source](https://images.app.goo.gl/vF3P3bgB3D2jkRQH8)

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PoW and PoS? ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES. WHICH ONE IS BETTER IN SCALING CAPACITY? EXAMPLES?

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PoW and PoS?

In this section, we will be looking at a clear difference between proof-of-work (PoW) and proof-of-stake (PoS). But before we move into that, lets first consider the definitions of both PoW and PoS.

PoW: PoW which stand for proof-of-work is a consensus algorithm that is use in mining. In this type of mining, complex mathematical problem are solved by different miners with the sole purpose of creating a new block and then earn a block reward at the end. As I earlier stated, different miners get themselves involve in solving complex mathematical problem with the sole purpose of earning a reward. Now it is important to mention here that it's only the very first person who is able to solve this issue gets the reward. So when dealing with PoW you have to do some brain work using some sophisticated machine to solve problems.

PoS: PoS which stands for proof-of-stake is also a consensus algorithm that is use in mining. Now it is necessary we state here that mining always have a sole purpose of carrying it out. Miners tends to get reward anytime the mine either via PoW and PoS. Now unlike the PoW that involves solving complex mathematical problem, the PoS involves miners locking their asset with the sole purpose of earning a reward. More also, PoW only rewards the very first person who is able to calculate and solve the mathematical problem but in the case of PoS almost all miners get rewarded. As a matter of fact, in PoS the higher asset you stake the higher the reward you earn.

We can therefore conclude that both PoW and PoS are all consensus algorithm and each gives a reward to miners. The only clear difference is that in PoS all miners get rewarded but in PoW only the miner who has stood out by been the first to solve the problem is the only one that gets rewarded.

*In a tabular form below, I will be presenting more difference between PoW and PoS* | S/No. | Proof-of-Work | Proof-of-Stake | |-------------|--------------------|----------------| | 01. | Rewards are gotten by been the first to solve the mathematical problem | You get reward not by calculation but by staking | | 02. | Much brain work and sophisticated machines are needed to carry out mining here | No brain work or sophisticated machine is needed | | 03. | Rewards are only given to the first person who is able to solve the problem | All miners here are entitle to reward based on how large the asset they have put as a stake |

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES.

There are many advantages and disadvantages associated with both proof-of-work and proof-of-stake. In the course of this studies, I will be presenting both in a tabular form below.

Advantages & Disadvantages PoW
| S/No. | Advantages | Disadvantages | |---|---------------------|----------------| | 01. | Miners here get themselves involve in competition as against who will be the very first to solve the problem hence it make it more fast | Mining tools are always very expensive and that is really a problem | | 02. | It is always difficult to hack | Requires lots of time and the presence of the miner | | 03. | Accuracy of transactions activities since it has to be checked and confirmed for accuracy before it can be added to the block | Reward are not given to everyone no matter how far you try, but it is only given to the person who is able to solve the problem. |
Advantages & Disadvantages PoS
| S/No. | Advantages | Disadvantages | |------------|--------------|-----------| | 01. | Users get rewarded simply by staking | Staking is what increases validators rank | | 02. | Does not need any form of tools | Reward here are based on the amount staked | | 03. | This type of mining is very scalable enough unlike the PoW which is rigid | For a higher reward you need to stake high asset and verse versa |

WHICH ONE IS BETTER IN SCALING CAPACITY? EXAMPLES?

In terms of scaling capacity, between proof-of-work and proof-of-stake, I strongly believe that the proof-of-stake is more scalable as it can be easily adjusted to meet up the changes required by it's users. We know that for a system to be scalable it means that the system will continue working or functioning properly despite the changes made on it. Once a change in a system affects it's output then we say that they system is not scalable enough. So when considering PoS any changes made in the system does not really affect the stakers who happens to be the miners of the system. Below are examples of both PoW and PoS.

**Example of Proof-of-Work** - Ethereum - Litecoin - Ethereum Classic - Bitcoin **Examples of Proof-of-Stake** - Tron - Binance coin - Neo - Peercoin # CONCLUSION

Proof-of-stake as we have seen has to deal with getting reward or performing mining through the process of staking. We have earlier established here that eventually every use who gets him or herself involve in this activity gets a reward at the end. We have also establish that in the case of Proof-of-work only the person who is able to solve the mathematical problem first is the person who gets the reward. This task has really been very educative, therefore I want to appreciate my able and capable professor in the person of @sapwood for such an insightful lecture. I look forward to learning more from you sir.