Bitcoin ($BTC ) is the world’s first decentralized cryptocurrency, introduced in 2009 by an unknown individual or group under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. Built on blockchain technology, Bitcoin operates without a central authority, relying on a peer-to-peer network for transactions and verification. BTC serves as both a digital currency and a store of value, offering transparency, security, and resistance to censorship. With a capped supply of 21 million coins, it’s often considered “digital gold” and an inflation hedge. Bitcoin has sparked the growth of the cryptocurrency market, becoming a global symbol of financial innovation and a key player in digital finance.