Bitcoin (BTC) is a decentralized digital currency introduced in 2009 by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto. Operating on a peer-to-peer network, it enables direct transactions without intermediaries like banks. Transactions are secured and recorded on a public ledger called the blockchain, utilizing a consensus mechanism known as Proof of Work. Bitcoin's supply is capped at 21 million coins, contributing to its scarcity and value proposition as "digital gold." Over the years, Bitcoin has gained significant adoption, with institutional investors and governments exploring its potential as a store of value and medium of exchange.
