$BTC Bitcoin (BTC), launched in 2009 by pseudonymous creator Satoshi Nakamoto, is the first decentralized cryptocurrency. Operating on blockchain technology—a public, immutable ledger—it enables peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries like banks. Bitcoin’s supply is capped at 21 million, enforced by its code, making it deflationary. New coins enter circulation via “mining,” where powerful computers solve cryptographic puzzles to validate transactions (proof-of-work). Critics highlight energy consumption concerns, while proponents praise its censorship resistance and potential as “digital gold.” Bitcoin’s price volatility reflects evolving adoption, regulatory shifts, and macroeconomic trends. It remains a pioneering innovation in finance, sparking global debates on money’s future.