What is bitcoin mining & why is it important?

Have you ever wondered about the mysterious process behind creating new bitcoins? Bitcoin mining is essentially the act of solving complex computational puzzles in order to verify and add transactions to the blockchain, the decentralized public ledger that records all bitcoin transactions. But why is it important? Mining helps secure the network against fraudulent activities and keeps the transaction flow smooth by adding new blocks to the blockchain. Additionally, miners are rewarded with newly minted bitcoins and transaction fees, incentivizing them to participate in the network's maintenance. In essence, bitcoin mining is crucial for the decentralization, security, and functionality of the bitcoin network.