About Mina token (MINA)

Mina token Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was the Mina Protocol originally called before its rebranding in October 2020?


The Mina Protocol was originally called Coda Protocol prior to its rebranding.




How does Mina Protocol ensure its blockchain size remains constant?


Mina Protocol uses zk-SNARKs (zero-knowledge succinct non-interactive arguments of knowledge) to ensure its blockchain remains a constant size around 22 KB. Instead of recording the full transaction history, Mina creates a cryptographic proof that verifies the current state of the ledger while abstracting the transaction history. This allows Mina to maintain a succinct blockchain regardless of the number of transactions that have occurred.




What cryptographic proof technique is utilized in the Mina Protocol?


The Mina Protocol utilizes zk-SNARKs (zero-knowledge Succinct Non-interactive Arguments of Knowledge) for its cryptographic proof technique.




What is the role of a snarker in the Mina Protocol network?


A snarker in the Mina Protocol network has the role of producing SNARK proofs that validate the correctness of transactions. These proofs allow for efficient and succinct verification, helping to keep the blockchain's size small regardless of the number of transactions.




How is the account model in Mina Protocol different from that of Bitcoin?


Unlike Bitcoin, which uses UTXOs (Unspent Transaction Outputs) for tracking transactions, Mina Protocol employs an account-based model similar to Ethereum. This model allows for simpler state management by associating transactions with account balances, rather than dealing with multiple UTXOs.




What consensus mechanism does Mina Protocol employ for its operation?


Mina Protocol employs the Ouroboros Samasika proof-of-stake consensus mechanism for its operation.




How do block producers in the Mina Protocol contribute to the network?


Block producers in the Mina Protocol contribute by packaging transactions into blocks, maintaining the network's consensus, and creating zk-SNARKs to verify the proof of validity for each new block, keeping the blockchain size small and constant. They earn rewards for their role in securing and powering the network.




Can users delegate their coins in the Mina Protocol, and if so, to whom?


Yes, users can delegate their coins in the Mina Protocol to validators, known as block producers. This allows coin holders to participate in the network's consensus and earn rewards without running a node themselves.




What incentive structure is in place for block producers and snakers within Mina Protocol?


In the Mina Protocol, block producers are rewarded with MINA tokens for creating blocks, similar to miners in other blockchain networks. Snarkers, who play a crucial role in generating zk-SNARK proofs for transactions, are also rewarded with transaction fees for their contribution to the network's succinctness and efficiency.




How is a transaction processed and confirmed on the Mina Protocol blockchain?


In the Mina Protocol, a transaction begins when a user signs and broadcasts it to the network. Validators, called block producers, then collect transactions into blocks. The consensus mechanism, Ouroboros Samasika, ensures that only valid transactions are added to the blockchain. Each block also includes a zk-SNARK proof that compresses all previous transactions, effectively verifying the entire history of the blockchain without requiring the entire chain’s data. Once a block with the transaction is verified and added to the blockchain, along with the zk-SNARK proof, the transaction is considered confirmed.