$BTC is the world's first decentralized digital currency, created in 2008 by an anonymous entity known as Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates on a public, distributed ledger called a blockchain, enabling secure, peer-to-peer transactions without the need for banks or central authorities. Its supply is capped at 21 million coins, contributing to its "digital gold" narrative. Price fluctuations are influenced by supply/demand, market sentiment, regulatory news, and broader economic conditions. Despite its volatility, Bitcoin has gained significant adoption as both an investment and a medium of exchange.