<p>It means randomness. In computing, if something a source of entropy means that means it is a source of randomness.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-02-14T17:36:25.983Z
2019-02-14T17:36:25.983Z
Ava Chow
<p>In order to prepare a valid <a href="https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Block_hashing_algorithm" rel="nofollow noreferrer">block header</a>, transactions from the mempool should be selected, <em>merkle root</em> should be computed, <em>block version</em>, <em>previous block hash</em> and <em>difficulty</em> value should be filled. Finally, <em>time</em> should be set and with <em>nonce=0</em> hash calculations will start.</p>

<p>As far as I understand, what the author meant was: by incrementing <em>nonce</em> you continue to search for a valid hash, i.e. provide entropy. <em>nonce</em> is the fastest mechanism to try a new hash, until it maxes out.</p>

<p>Obviously, mining hardwares today uses mechanisms like <em>extraNonce</em> but it is a whole another issue.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-03-17T11:55:01.807Z
2019-03-17T11:55:01.807Z
kozyilmaz
<p>"The Bitcoin nonce forms part of the block header, which is used by miners to provide entropy as part of the Proof of Work process, to try and find a hash meeting the difficulty requirement."</p>

<p>Quote taken from the following article.</p>

<p><a href="https://blog.bitmex.com/the-mystery-of-the-bitcoin-nonce-pattern/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://blog.bitmex.com/the-mystery-of-the-bitcoin-nonce-pattern/</a></p>

<mining-theory><proof-of-work>
What is entropy mean in this context?
AdaptiveAnalysis
# What is entropy mean in this context?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2019-02-14)

"The Bitcoin nonce forms part of the block header, which is used by miners to provide entropy as part of the Proof of Work process, to try and find a hash meeting the difficulty requirement."

Quote taken from the following article.

<https://blog.bitmex.com/the-mystery-of-the-bitcoin-nonce-pattern/>

**Tags:** mining-theory, proof-of-work


---

## 2 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2019-02-14. Score: 2

It means randomness. In computing, if something a source of entropy means that means it is a source of randomness.


---

### Answer by username_2 on 2019-03-17. Score: 0

In order to prepare a valid [block header](https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Block_hashing_algorithm), transactions from the mempool should be selected, *merkle root* should be computed, *block version*, *previous block hash* and *difficulty* value should be filled. Finally, *time* should be set and with *nonce=0* hash calculations will start.

As far as I understand, what the author meant was: by incrementing *nonce* you continue to search for a valid hash, i.e. provide entropy. *nonce* is the fastest mechanism to try a new hash, until it maxes out.

Obviously, mining hardwares today uses mechanisms like *extraNonce* but it is a whole another issue.


---

