$BTC Bitcoin (BTC), launched in 2009 by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto, is the pioneering decentralized cryptocurrency. Operating on blockchain technology, it enables peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries like banks. Bitcoin’s supply is capped at 21 million coins, fostering scarcity and deflationary properties. Transactions are secured via proof-of-work consensus, where miners validate blocks and earn BTC rewards. Known for volatility, Bitcoin is both a speculative asset and a store of value, dubbed “digital gold.” Its decentralized nature challenges traditional finance, promoting financial sovereignty. Despite energy consumption debates and regulatory scrutiny, Bitcoin remains dominant, shaping the crypto landscape and inspiring thousands of alternative cryptocurrencies.