*Why Transaction Confirmations Matter in Cryptocurrency*
Transaction confirmation is a core feature of cryptocurrency, ensuring that transfers are *valid, secure, and irreversible*. Once confirmed, a transaction is permanently recorded on the blockchain and cannot be altered.
What Is a Confirmation?
It’s the process where the network verifies that a transaction is legitimate and includes it in a block. Bitcoin uses *Proof-of-Work* (mining), while Ethereum (and others) may use *Proof-of-Stake* (validators) for this process.
Why It’s Important:
1. *Prevents Double Spending* – Ensures coins aren’t spent twice.
2. *Secures the Network* – Makes tampering nearly impossible.
3. *Builds User Trust* – Confirmed transactions = real, irreversible.
4. *Provides Finality* – Unlike banks, crypto confirmations are permanent.
How Many Are Needed?
- *$BTC 6 confirmations
- *$ETH Ethereum:* 12–35
- *Smaller Blockchains:* Fewer, but riskier
Though slower than traditional payments, confirmations make crypto *reliable, decentralized, and tamper-resistant*.