$BTC Bitcoin (BTC) is the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, created in 2009 by an anonymous person or group under the name Satoshi Nakamoto. It is a decentralized digital currency that operates without a central authority or bank, relying on blockchain technology to record transactions securely and transparently.

Bitcoin allows peer-to-peer transactions across the globe, enabling users to send and receive money without intermediaries. Its limited supply of 21 million coins makes it a scarce asset, often referred to as “digital gold” because of its store-of-value properties.

BTC has become popular both as a means of payment and as an investment asset. Many investors buy Bitcoin hoping its value will increase over time due to its scarcity and growing adoption. Large companies, payment platforms, and even some governments are starting to accept Bitcoin, increasing its legitimacy.

Despite its advantages, Bitcoin faces challenges such as price volatility, regulatory scrutiny, and concerns over energy consumption due to the mining process. Miners use powerful computers to solve complex mathematical problems that validate transactions, but this requires significant electricity.