Cobra (Zorn)

Cobra, in the context of Zorn's work, refers to a specific proof-of-work algorithm designed for use within a blockchain or distributed ledger system. It belongs to a family of memory-hard proof-of-work algorithms intended to resist ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) mining. The algorithm’s design aims to equalize the playing field, making it more accessible for individuals using general-purpose hardware (like GPUs) to participate in mining, thereby promoting decentralization.

Cobra's memory-hardness stems from its dependency on large amounts of memory access. It utilizes a data structure that requires miners to store and repeatedly access a substantial dataset during the mining process. This memory requirement makes it economically challenging to develop specialized hardware like ASICs that would significantly outperform general-purpose processors.

The specific implementation details of Cobra involve iterative calculations and memory lookups across this large dataset. Miners must find a nonce that, when combined with the block's header data and processed through the algorithm, produces a hash value that meets the difficulty target set by the blockchain network. The difficulty target dynamically adjusts to maintain a consistent block generation rate.

The "Zorn" parenthetical likely indicates a blockchain project or cryptocurrency that implemented Cobra as its proof-of-work mechanism. Further specifics would require examining the documentation of the Zorn project. Without specific context related to Zorn, this description remains a generalized explanation of the Cobra proof-of-work algorithm's purpose and design principles.