Bitcoin (BTC) is a decentralized digital currency that operates on a peer-to-peer network without the need for intermediaries like banks. Created by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto in 2009, Bitcoin utilizes blockchain technology to secure transactions through cryptographic verification. It has a fixed supply of 21 million coins, making it scarce and often referred to as "digital gold." Bitcoin is used for payments, investments, and as a hedge against inflation. Its value fluctuates due to market demand, adoption, and regulatory developments. As the first cryptocurrency, Bitcoin has paved the way for a global financial revolution, challenging traditional monetary systems.