Mining is how new cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin, is created. It involves powerful computers solving complex puzzles to verify transactions on the blockchain. Miners who solve these puzzles first earn rewards in the form of new coins. This process helps keep the network secure and running smoothly.
In addition to creating new coins, mining also ensures that transactions are accurate and prevents double-spending, which means spending the same cryptocurrency twice. Without mining, cryptocurrencies wouldn't be able to function in a decentralized way.