Bitcoin ($BTC) is the first and most famous cryptocurrency, launched in 2009 by a person or group under the pseudonym "Satoshi Nakamoto". Bitcoin relies on blockchain technology that allows for the transparent and secure recording of transactions without the need for a central intermediary, such as banks. Bitcoin is produced through a process known as "mining," where miners use high computing power to solve complex mathematical problems and validate transactions.

Bitcoin is characterized by its scarcity, as the total supply does not exceed 21 million units, making it a store of value for many and likening it to digital gold. Bitcoin is used for trading and investment, and it has become recognized in some countries as a source of wealth or even a means of payment. Despite its price volatility, some view it as a hedge against inflation and an alternative financial system.