The Ouroboros protocol is the consensus mechanism that powers the Cardano blockchain. It is a proof-of-stake (PoS) protocol, designed as a more energy-efficient alternative to proof-of-work systems like Bitcoin. Ouroboros determines how new blocks are added to the chain and how participants agree on the state of the network, ensuring security, scalability, and decentralisation.

Unlike proof-of-work, where miners solve complex mathematical puzzles, Ouroboros relies on staking. Holders of ADA, Cardano’s native cryptocurrency, can delegate their coins to stake pools or run their own. The protocol randomly selects stake pool operators to validate and create new blocks, with the probability of being chosen proportional to the amount of ADA staked. This approach consumes far less energy and allows more people to participate in securing the network.

A unique aspect of Ouroboros is its rigorous academic foundation. It is one of the first blockchain protocols proven mathematically to be secure against adversaries. The protocol divides time into epochs and slots. Each slot has a leader responsible for producing a block, and this predictable structure helps improve efficiency and fairness.

Ouroboros has evolved through several versions, such as Ouroboros Praos, Genesis, and Hydra, each improving security, decentralisation, and scalability. These advancements aim to make Cardano capable of handling global financial applications while maintaining sustainability.

In short, Ouroboros is the backbone of Cardano, providing a secure, eco-friendly, and scientifically verified consensus system.