Bitcoin

Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency, created in 2009 by an anonymous entity known as Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates on a peer-to-peer network without a central authority or intermediary, allowing users to send and receive payments directly. Transactions are verified by network nodes through cryptography and recorded on a public ledger called the blockchain. Bitcoin is often abbreviated as BTC and is the first cryptocurrency, serving as both a digital asset and a medium of exchange. Its finite supply, capped at 21 million coins, makes it distinct from traditional fiat currencies. Bitcoin is noted for its volatility in value and is often seen as both a speculative investment and a potential store of value, often referred to as “digital gold.”