$BTC Bitcoin (BTC) is the world's first decentralized digital currency, created in 2009 by an anonymous entity known as Satoshi Nakamoto. Operating on a peer-to-peer network, it eliminates the need for intermediaries like banks, allowing direct transactions between users. Its core technology is the blockchain, a public, immutable ledger that records all transactions, ensuring transparency and security. Bitcoin's scarcity, with a limited supply of 21 million coins, is designed to mimic precious metals and act as a hedge against inflation. While volatile, it has gained significant institutional interest and is increasingly viewed as "digital gold" and a global medium of exchange.