$BTC Bitcoin (BTC) is the world's first decentralized digital currency, introduced in 2009 by an anonymous entity known as Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates on a peer-to-peer network, meaning transactions occur directly between users without the need for intermediaries like banks or governments.

The core technology behind Bitcoin is the blockchain, a public, distributed ledger that records all transactions securely and transparently. New bitcoins are "mined" by powerful computers that validate transactions and add new blocks to this chain, earning rewards in BTC.

Bitcoin's appeal lies in its decentralization, censorship resistance, and finite supply of 21 million coins, often earning it the nickname "digital gold." While initially envisioned as an electronic cash system, its volatility has led to it being primarily viewed as an investment asset and a store of value. It can be bought, sold, and traded on cryptocurrency exchanges, and increasingly used for online and some physical purchases.