$BTC Bitcoin ($BTC) is the world’s 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, allowing secure and transparent transactions without a central authority. Bitcoin has a fixed supply of 21 million coins, making it deflationary by design. It is widely seen as digital gold—a store of value and hedge against inflation. Bitcoin’s price is influenced by market demand, macroeconomic trends, and adoption by institutions and governments. Despite volatility, it remains the leading cryptocurrency in market capitalization and a cornerstone of the global digital asset ecosystem.