SHA-256
The cryptographic hash function used by Bitcoin for mining and transaction verification.
In-Depth Explanation
SHA-256 (Secure Hash Algorithm 256-bit) produces a 256-bit hash from any input. It's the basis of Bitcoin's proof-of-work: miners repeatedly hash block headers with different nonces until finding one below the target difficulty. SHA-256 is considered secure against current computational attacks.
Related Terms
Hash
A fixed-size output produced by a cryptographic function that uniquely represents input data.
Mining
The process of using computational power to validate transactions and add new blocks to a proof-of-work blockchain.
Proof of Work
PoWA consensus mechanism where miners compete to solve computational puzzles, with the winner adding the next block and earning rewards.
Bitcoin
BTCThe first and largest cryptocurrency, created by Satoshi Nakamoto in 2009 as a peer-to-peer electronic cash system.
More in Infrastructure
View all →Gas Fees
Transaction fees paid to validators/miners for executing operations on a blockchain.
Gwei
A denomination of Ether equal to one billionth of an ETH, commonly used to express gas prices.
Layer 2
L2Scaling solutions built on top of a base blockchain (L1) that process transactions off-chain while inheriting L1 security.
Layer 1
L1The base blockchain that provides security and consensus, such as Ethereum, Bitcoin, or Solana.