Bitcoin (BTC) is a digital currency that runs on a decentralized network, meaning no central authority controls it. Launched in 2009, it introduced a new way to exchange value using blockchain—a public, tamper-proof ledger of transactions. Users can send BTC to anyone worldwide quickly and with relatively low fees. Bitcoin is created through mining, a process where computers solve puzzles to validate transactions and secure the network. Only 21 million BTC will ever exist, which adds scarcity and drives its value. Unlike traditional currencies, Bitcoin isn’t tied to any government or physical asset. It has become both a store of value and a speculative asset, widely used for investment, online payments, and as a symbol of financial independence.
