Bitcoin ($BTC ) is a decentralized digital currency that enables peer-to-peer transactions without the need for intermediaries like banks. Created in 2009 by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto, it operates on a blockchain—a public ledger recording all transactions. Bitcoin is limited to a maximum supply of 21 million coins, making it deflationary by design. It has gained popularity as both a store of value and a speculative investment. While its price is highly volatile, Bitcoin is often seen as “digital gold.” Its decentralized nature and limited supply have fueled debates about its potential to disrupt traditional financial systems and fiat currencies.