How cryptocurrency mining works

This is another question with a very complex question answer which we will attempt to simplify. Cryptocurrency mining is a computer process which uses special software and hardware to verify that a group of recent cryptocurrency transactions were valid and inserts them into the blockchain ledger. To do this the mining must first solve a very complex mathematically puzzle. The solution to the puzzle is a very special number with very unique properties. Once the transactions are validated and the puzzle is solved a new block (which contains the validated transactions) is added to the ledger to become part of the permanent record. The miner is then rewarded for this work with some bitcoins and mining continues to the next block. This process is intentionally difficult and expensive to reduce the possibility of hacking the ledger. As more miners attempt to solve the puzzle the difficulty of the puzzle automatically increases. And the reverse is true also. Not all coins are mined in the same way.