$BTC Bitcoin ($BTC) is the world’s first and most well-known cryptocurrency, launched in 2009 by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates on a decentralized, peer-to-peer network without central banks or intermediaries, using blockchain technology to securely record transactions. With a capped supply of 21 million coins, Bitcoin is often viewed as "digital gold" and a hedge against inflation. It's used for both investment and payments, although price volatility is high. Bitcoin has spurred a global crypto movement and influenced countless altcoins, playing a key role in reshaping finance, encouraging innovation in decentralized systems, and challenging traditional monetary structures.