$BTC O **Bitcoin (BTC)** is the first and most well-known cryptocurrency in the world, created in 2009 by a person (or group) under the pseudonym **Satoshi Nakamoto**. He introduced the concept of a decentralized electronic cash system, based on a technology called **blockchain**.

### **Main Features of Bitcoin:**

1. **Decentralization**: It is not controlled by governments, banks, or any central entity. The network is maintained by thousands of nodes (computers) spread across the world.

2. **Limited Supply**: Only **21 million BTC** will be created, making it a deflationary asset (in contrast to traditional currencies, which can be printed infinitely).

3. **Blockchain**: All transactions are recorded in a public and immutable ledger, ensuring transparency and security.

4. **Mining**: New bitcoins are created through mining, where computers solve complex mathematical problems to validate transactions and add blocks to the blockchain.

5. **Pseudonymity**: Transactions are not directly linked to real identities but can be traced through public addresses.

### **Advantages of Bitcoin:**

- **Censorship Resistant**: Transactions cannot be easily blocked.

- **Global and Fast**: It can be sent anywhere in the world without intermediaries.

- **Store of Value ("Digital Gold")**: Many investors see BTC as protection against inflation and economic crises.

### **Challenges and Criticisms:**

- **Volatility**: The price of BTC can fluctuate dramatically in a short time.

- **Scalability**: The network has limitations on the number of transactions per second (compared to systems like Visa or PayPal).

- **Regulation**: Governments are still defining how to deal with cryptocurrencies, which may affect their adoption.

- **Environmental Impact**: BTC mining consumes a lot of energy (although there are efforts to use renewable sources).