#btc Bitcoin (BTC) is a decentralized digital currency that operates without the need for a central authority like a bank or government. Created in 2009 by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin allows peer-to-peer transactions over the blockchain, a secure and transparent public ledger. Limited to a maximum supply of 21 million coins, Bitcoin is often considered a hedge against inflation and has become a popular investment asset. Its value is highly volatile, driven by market demand, adoption, and global economic factors. Over time, Bitcoin has gained mainstream acceptance, with increasing use in financial systems, online purchases, and institutional portfolios.