Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency created in 2009 by an unknown person or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates without a central authority, relying instead on blockchain technology—a public ledger that records all transactions. Bitcoins are created through a process called mining, where computers solve complex mathematical problems. Limited to 21 million coins, Bitcoin is valued for its scarcity and resistance to inflation. It allows peer-to-peer transactions globally with low fees and no intermediaries. While praised for its innovation and potential for financial freedom, Bitcoin is also criticized for its volatility, use in illicit activities, and environmental impact.
