Bitcoin

What is Bitcoin?

Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that functions on a peer-to-peer network, enabling direct value transfers between individuals without the need for intermediaries like banks or payment providers. Introduced in 2009 by an unknown creator or group under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin operates on open-source software and was the first implementation of blockchain technology as a public ledger. Every transaction on the network is verified by nodes through cryptographic algorithms and permanently recorded on the blockchain, ensuring transparency and security.

One of Bitcoin’s defining features is its capped supply of 21 million coins, which gives it deflationary properties. This fixed supply makes it attractive as a store of value, especially during times of economic uncertainty or inflationary pressure. Bitcoin can be acquired through exchanges, earned as payment, or mined – a computationally intensive process that helps validate transactions and maintain network security.

Bitcoin is widely used for various purposes including online purchases, international remittances, investment diversification, and institutional asset holdings. It can be stored in digital wallets – either custodial or non-custodial – and transferred globally with low fees and minimal barriers. As the first and most recognized cryptocurrency, Bitcoin continues to play a central role in the digital asset ecosystem and has inspired the development of countless other blockchain-based technologies.