$BTC Bitcoin (BTC) is the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, launched in 2009 by the pseudonymous developer Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates on a decentralized blockchain network, allowing peer-to-peer transactions without the need for intermediaries like banks. Bitcoin is secured through a process called mining, where computers solve complex mathematical problems to validate transactions and add them to the blockchain.

Often described as “digital gold,” Bitcoin is limited to 21 million coins, making it a deflationary asset. It’s praised for its transparency, security, and resistance to censorship, but criticized for volatility, energy consumption, and use in illicit activities.

Bitcoin has evolved from a niche digital currency into a global financial asset, attracting retail and institutional investors. It’s seen as a hedge against inflation and a store of value. Despite regulatory scrutiny and market fluctuations, Bitcoin continues to play a central role in the broader crypto ecosystem.