Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that operates without a central authority or banks. Launched in 2009 by an anonymous entity known as Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin uses blockchain technology to enable secure, transparent, and peer-to-peer transactions. It has gained widespread attention as both a store of value and a speculative investment. With a fixed supply of 21 million coins, Bitcoin is often compared to gold and is seen as a hedge against inflation. Despite its volatility, Bitcoin continues to influence global finance, paving the way for broader cryptocurrency adoption and innovation in decentralized finance (DeFi).