$BTC refers to the ticker symbol for Bitcoin, the first and most well-known cryptocurrency. Created in 2009 by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin operates on a decentralized, peer-to-peer blockchain network without the need for intermediaries like banks. It has a capped supply of 21 million coins, making it a deflationary asset. $BTC is used for digital transactions, investment, and as a store of value, often referred to as "digital gold." Its price is highly volatile, influenced by supply and demand, regulatory news, technological developments, and market sentiment. Bitcoin has gained mainstream attention as both an innovation in financial technology and a speculative asset, with increasing adoption by institutions, businesses, and retail investors worldwide.