$BTC Bitcoin (BTC) is the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, launched in 2009 by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates on a decentralized, peer-to-peer network using blockchain technology, enabling secure and transparent transactions without intermediaries like banks. Bitcoin has a fixed supply of 21 million coins, which adds to its scarcity and appeal as “digital gold.” It’s used for investment, online payments, and as a hedge against inflation. Bitcoin’s price is highly volatile, influenced by market demand, regulation, macroeconomic trends, and technological developments. It remains the dominant crypto asset by market cap and a central player in the digital finance ecosystem.