#BTCHashratePeak Bitcoin (BTC) is the world's first and most well-known cryptocurrency. Created in 2009 by an anonymous entity known as Satoshi Nakamoto, it is a decentralized digital currency that operates on a peer-to-peer network without the need for a central bank or government.

Transactions are recorded on a public, distributed ledger called a blockchain, which is secured by cryptographic techniques. This makes Bitcoin transparent and resistant to censorship or manipulation. The creation of new bitcoins, a process known as "mining," involves solving complex computational problems. With a finite supply of 21 million coins, Bitcoin is often referred to as "digital gold," serving as both a medium of exchange and a store of value.