Bitcoin (BTC) is the original decentralized digital currency, created in 2009 by an anonymous entity known as Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates on a technology called blockchain, a public, distributed ledger that records all transactions securely and immutably. Unlike traditional currencies, Bitcoin has no central authority like a bank or government, relying instead on a peer-to-peer network for verification and issuance through a process called "mining." This involves powerful computers solving complex cryptographic problems. Bitcoin's finite supply of 21 million coins contributes to its appeal as "digital gold" or a store of value, though its price remains highly volatile.$BTC