$BTC

Here's a concise 100-word overview of Bitcoin ($BTC):

Bitcoin ($BTC) is the pioneering decentralized digital currency, created in 2009 by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto. Operating on a public blockchain, it enables peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries like banks. Its core innovation is solving the "double-spend" problem via proof-of-work mining, where participants secure the network and earn new BTC.

Often termed "digital gold," Bitcoin is primarily seen as a scarce store of value due to its hard-capped supply of 21 million coins. Its price is highly volatile, driven by adoption trends, regulatory shifts, macroeconomic factors, and investor sentiment. Major developments include the approval of U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs in early 2024, significantly boosting institutional access. While criticized for energy use, it remains the dominant cryptocurrency by market cap and recognition, foundational to the entire crypto ecosystem.