How bitcoin mining works for dummies?

@issac.schaden 

Bitcoin mining is the process by which new bitcoins are created and transactions are validated and added to the Bitcoin blockchain. It is often done using powerful computers specifically designed for this purpose.

Here's a simplified explanation of how Bitcoin mining works:

1. Understanding the blockchain: The blockchain is like a digital ledger that records all bitcoin transactions. It is publicly visible and helps ensure transparency and security. Miners play a crucial role in maintaining and updating this blockchain.
2. Solving complex mathematical problems: Miners compete to solve complex mathematical puzzles using their computers. These puzzles require significant computational power and are designed to be extremely difficult to solve, taking a considerable amount of time and energy.
3. Proof of work: Miners need to show their work (proof) that they have solved the puzzle correctly. This is achieved by finding a specific hash value, a unique combination of numbers and letters. The first miner to find the correct hash value is rewarded with bitcoins.
4. Mining difficulty: The Bitcoin network automatically adjusts the mining difficulty to ensure that new blocks are added to the blockchain roughly every 10 minutes. As more miners join the network, the difficulty increases to maintain this time frame.
5. Validating transactions: Miners also verify and validate transactions made on the Bitcoin network. They check if the transactions are valid and not double-spending (using the same bitcoins in multiple transactions). Once validated, the transactions are bundled into a block.
6. Adding the block to the blockchain: When a miner successfully solves the puzzle and finds the correct hash value, they broadcast it to the network. Other miners then verify the solution and, if valid, add the block to the blockchain. This process ensures a consensus on the state of the blockchain.
7. Earning rewards: As a reward for their computational effort and securing the network, the miner who successfully adds a new block to the blockchain receives a certain number of newly minted bitcoins, along with any transaction fees included in the block.

Overall, Bitcoin mining is the process of using computer power to secure the network, validate transactions, and earn new bitcoins as a reward. It is a vital element of the Bitcoin ecosystem, enabling the functioning of a decentralized, secure, and transparent digital currency.