What is the role of a cryptocurrency miner in the network?

@tess.kassulke 

The role of a cryptocurrency miner in a network is to validate and verify the transactions occurring on the network. Miners use powerful computers and specialized software to solve complex mathematical problems that validate the legitimacy of transactions. Once a problem is solved, the miner adds the verified transactions to a new block and adds it to the blockchain, the decentralized public ledger that maintains a record of all transactions.

Apart from validating transactions, miners also compete with each other to solve the mathematical problems, and the first one to solve it earns a reward in the form of newly created cryptocurrency coins. This process, known as mining, incentivizes miners to contribute their computing power to secure the network and maintain its integrity. By performing this crucial role, miners ensure the security, decentralization, and efficient functioning of the cryptocurrency network.