$BTC or Bitcoin, is the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, launched in 2009 by an anonymous entity known as Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates on a decentralized blockchain network, allowing peer-to-peer transactions without the need for intermediaries like banks. Bitcoin is limited to 21 million coins, making it a scarce digital asset. Often called "digital gold," it's used both as a store of value and a means of exchange. Over the years, Bitcoin has grown in popularity, influencing global financial systems and spawning thousands of other cryptocurrencies. Its price is highly volatile, attracting both investors and traders seeking profit.