Bitcoin (BTC) is a decentralized digital currency invented in 2008 by an unknown person or group using the name Satoshi Nakamoto. It was released as open-source software in 2009, functioning without a central authority or bank.

Transactions are recorded on a public ledger called the blockchain, which is maintained by a network of computers known as nodes. This system ensures security and transparency, making it difficult to alter or counterfeit records. Bitcoin allows for peer-to-peer transactions, meaning users can send and receive funds directly without intermediaries.

The total supply of Bitcoin is capped at 21 million, making it a deflationary asset. Users can acquire Bitcoin through mining or by purchasing it on various exchanges. Bitcoin has gained popularity as both a means of payment and an investment, attracting interest from individuals and institutions. Its price can be volatile, influenced by market demand, regulatory news, and technological developments, making it a subject of extensive analysis and speculation.