Bitcoin ($BTC ) is a decentralized digital currency created in 2009 by an anonymous entity known as Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates on a peer-to-peer network, allowing users to send and receive payments without relying on banks or intermediaries. Bitcoin transactions are recorded on a public ledger called the blockchain, secured through cryptographic techniques and a process called mining. With a maximum supply capped at 21 million coins, Bitcoin is often viewed as a hedge against inflation and digital gold. It is used for investment, payments, and as a store of value. Bitcoin's price is highly volatile, influenced by supply, demand, and market sentiment.