$BTC (Bitcoin) is the world’s first and most valuable cryptocurrency, created in 2009 by the anonymous Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates on a decentralized blockchain, allowing peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries. Secured by a proof-of-work consensus mechanism, Bitcoin relies on miners to validate transactions. With a fixed supply of 21 million coins, it’s often seen as digital gold and a hedge against inflation. $BTC’s price is highly volatile, influenced by demand, regulations, and market sentiment. It is widely used for investment, payments, and store-of-value purposes, making it a dominant force in the cryptocurrency space and the broader financial world.