$BTC

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

**Bitcoin ($BTC)** is the first and largest decentralized cryptocurrency, created in 2009 by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates on a public ledger called the blockchain, secured by proof-of-work mining. Key innovations include a fixed supply of 21 million coins (enforced by periodic "halvings"), censorship resistance, and peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries like banks.

Often termed "digital gold," Bitcoin is primarily seen as a store of value and hedge against inflation, though it remains highly volatile. Its adoption has grown significantly, with major institutions offering ETFs and some countries accepting it as legal tender. Regulatory scrutiny and energy consumption debates persist. Despite price fluctuations, Bitcoin remains the dominant force in the crypto ecosystem, symbolizing a transformative, decentralized financial technology.