$BTC Bitcoin (BTC) is a decentralized digital currency, created in 2009 by an anonymous entity known as Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates without a central authority like a bank, using peer-to-peer technology to verify and record transactions on a public, distributed ledger called the blockchain.

Key features include its limited supply of 21 million coins, enhancing scarcity, and its use of cryptography for secure transactions. Bitcoin transactions are irreversible and transparent, recorded on the blockchain, though user identities remain pseudonymous. It can be used for online payments and as an investment.

While initially conceived as a peer-to-peer payment system, its increasing value and adoption have broadened its use cases. Bitcoin's price can be volatile, influenced by market sentiment, adoption rates, and regulatory developments. It remains the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization and a significant asset in the digital finance landscape.