$BTC $BTC, or Bitcoin, is the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, launched in 2009 by the pseudonymous creator Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates on a decentralized, peer-to-peer network using blockchain technology to record transactions transparently and securely. With a fixed supply of 21 million coins, Bitcoin is often seen as "digital gold" and a hedge against inflation. It is mined through a proof-of-work system and traded globally on crypto exchanges. $BTC has driven the growth of the broader crypto ecosystem and is used for investment, payments, and as a store of value. Its price is highly volatile, influenced by market sentiment, regulation, and macroeconomic trends.