Bitcoin ($BTC ) is the original and most well-known cryptocurrency, created in 2009 by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto. Designed as a decentralized digital currency, it allows peer-to-peer transactions without the need for banks or intermediaries. With a fixed supply of 21 million coins, Bitcoin is often seen as "digital gold" and a hedge against inflation. It's secured by a proof-of-work consensus mechanism and powered by thousands of miners worldwide. Beyond just being a currency, Bitcoin has become a global financial movement — symbolizing freedom, transparency, and the shift away from traditional financial systems. It's the foundation of the entire crypto market.