Bitcoin

Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that was created in 2009 by an anonymous person or group known as Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates on a peer-to-peer network, allowing users to send and receive payments without the need for a central authority or intermediary, such as a bank. Transactions are verified by network nodes through cryptography and recorded on a public ledger called the blockchain.

Bitcoin is often referred to as a cryptocurrency because it uses cryptographic techniques to secure transactions and control the creation of new units. It has a capped supply of 21 million coins, which contributes to its scarcity and value. Bitcoin can be obtained through mining (the process of validating transactions and adding them to the blockchain) or purchased on various exchanges.

As the first and most widely known cryptocurrency, Bitcoin has established itself as a major asset class and is often seen as a store of value or “digital gold.” Its value can be highly volatile, influenced by factors such as market demand, investor sentiment, regulatory developments, and technological advancements. Bitcoin has sparked the creation of thousands of other cryptocurrencies and has significantly impacted financial systems and the concept of money globally.