$BTC

Bitcoin (BTC) is a decentralized digital currency created in 2009 by an anonymous person or group of people using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. Here are some key points about Bitcoin:

1. **Blockchain Technology**: Bitcoin operates on a peer-to-peer network using blockchain technology, which is a public ledger that records all transactions securely and transparently.

2. **Mining**: New bitcoins are created through a process called mining, where miners use computational power to solve complex mathematical problems that validate transactions on the network.

3. **Limited Supply**: The total supply of Bitcoin is capped at 21 million coins, a feature designed to create scarcity and potentially increase its value over time.

4. **Volatility**: Bitcoin is known for its price volatility, with significant fluctuations occurring over short periods. This unpredictability can be appealing for traders and investors but poses risks.

5. **Use Cases**: Initially conceived as a digital currency for peer-to-peer transactions, Bitcoin is often viewed as a store of value akin to digital gold. It is used for investment, remittances, and in some cases, everyday purchases.

6. **Regulatory Landscape**: The regulatory environment for Bitcoin varies by country. Some governments have embraced it, while others have implemented strict regulations or outright bans.

7. **Security and Anonymity**: Bitcoin transactions are pseudonymous; while they are recorded on the public blockchain, the identities of the users are not directly tied to the transactions, providing a level of privacy.