What miners do
Miners gather valid transactions and compete to propose the next block. Their work helps the network decide which valid block is added next.
Mining is not a way to create money at will. Miners must follow the same rules that every full node checks.
Keep the big picture in mind
Proof of work
To propose a block, miners perform repeated computations in search of a valid result. This process is called proof of work.
Because producing a valid block requires real resources, rewriting confirmed history would require enormous continued work. That cost helps secure the network.
Rewards and fees
A successful miner can receive the block subsidy and transaction fees. The subsidy follows Bitcoin's fixed issuance schedule and decreases over time.
Transaction fees give users a way to compete for block space when demand is high.
Key Takeaways
Miners propose blocks containing valid transactions.
Proof of work makes altering history costly.
Full nodes still validate every block.
Rewards combine new bitcoin issuance and transaction fees.
Quick Quiz
Who decides whether a mined block follows Bitcoin's rules?
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