Bitcoin (BTC) is a decentralized digital currency, introduced in 2009 by an anonymous person or group using the name Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates without a central authority, relying on blockchain technology—a public, tamper-proof ledger—to record transactions. Bitcoin is mined through a process called proof-of-work, where powerful computers solve complex mathematical problems. It's limited to 21 million coins, making it scarce and often compared to digital gold. Bitcoin can be used for peer-to-peer transactions or held as an investment. Despite its volatility, it has gained global recognition and is seen as both a financial innovation and a hedge against inflation.
