$BTC Bitcoin (BTC) is the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, introduced in 2009 by an anonymous person or group using the name Satoshi Nakamoto. It was created as a decentralized digital currency to operate without the need for a central authority like a bank or government. Bitcoin runs on a peer-to-peer network where transactions are verified by nodes through cryptography and recorded on a public ledger called the blockchain.

One of Bitcoin’s key innovations is its use of blockchain technology, which ensures transparency, security, and immutability of transaction records. Each block contains a list of transactions and is linked to the previous block, forming a chain that cannot be altered without consensus from the network.

Bitcoin has a limited supply of 21 million coins, making it a deflationary asset. New bitcoins are created through a process called mining, where powerful computers solve complex mathematical problems. This process not only secures the network but also issues new coins as rewards.

BTC is often referred to as “digital gold” due to its store of value properties. It is widely used for investment, as a hedge against inflation, and occasionally for payments. Bitcoin's value is highly volatile, influenced by market demand, regulation, macroeconomic trends, and technological developments.

Over time, Bitcoin has sparked the creation of thousands of other cryptocurrencies and played a key role in the development of the decentralized finance (DeFi) movement. Despite challenges, it remains a symbol of financial