> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.expanse.tech/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.expanse.tech/miner/what-is-the-mining-algo.md). # What is the mining algo? Our algorithm, [Ethash](https://github.com/expanse-org/wiki/wiki/Ethash) (previously known as Dagger-Hashimoto), is based around the provision of a large, transient, randomly generated dataset which forms a DAG (the Dagger-part), and attempting to solve a particular constraint on it, partly determined through a block’s header-hash. It is designed to hash a fast verifiability time within a slow CPU-only environment, yet provide vast speed-ups for mining when provided with a large amount of memory with high-bandwidth. The large memory requirements mean that large-scale miners get comparatively little super-linear benefit. The high bandwidth requirement means that a speed-up from piling on many super-fast processing units sharing the same memory gives little benefit over a single unit. This is important in that pool mining have no benefit for nodes doing verification, thus discourageing centralisation. Communication between the external mining application and the Expanse daemon for work provision and submission happens through the JSON-RPC API. Two RPC functions are provided; exp\_getWork and exp\_submitWork. These are formally documented on the [JSON-RPC API](https://github.com/expanse-org/wiki/wiki/JSON-RPC) wiki article under [miner](https://github.com/expanse-org/go-expanse/wiki/JavaScript-Console#miner). In order to mine you need a fully synced Expanse client that is enabled for mining and at least one expanse account. This account is used to send the mining rewards to and is often referred to as coinbase or etherbase. Visit the “[Creating an account](http://docs.expanse.tech/en/latest/account-management.html#creating-an-account)” section of this guide to learn how to create an account. **Warning:** Ensure your blockchain is fully synchronised with the main chain before starting to mine, otherwise you will not be mining on the main chain. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.expanse.tech/miner/what-is-the-mining-algo.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.