Block emission refers to the process of generating new coins as part of a blockchain network’s protocol. This occurs when miners or validators confirm and add a new block of transactions to the blockchain.

During this process, a predetermined number of coins are created and awarded to the miner or validator as a reward for their work. This reward serves two purposes: it incentivizes participants to invest computing power in maintaining the integrity and security of the network, and it introduces new coins into circulation.

The rate of block emission can vary greatly among different cryptocurrencies. Some, like Bitcoin, have a fixed emission rate that halves at certain intervals, making the total supply capped. Others may have a more flexible approach to emission, leading to different economic models and inflation rates.

Understanding block emission is crucial for grasping how a cryptocurrency’s supply, value, and overall ecosystem function over time. It directly impacts scarcity, user incentives, and the coin’s long-term economic viability.