Bitcoin

Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency, or cryptocurrency, that was invented in 2008 by an unknown person or group of people using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. It was released as open-source software in 2009 and is considered the first and most widely recognized cryptocurrency. Bitcoin operates on a peer-to-peer network without the need for a central authority, such as a government or financial institution, which distinguishes it from traditional currencies.

Bitcoin transactions are verified by network nodes through cryptography and recorded on a public distributed ledger called a blockchain. Bitcoin is created as a reward for a process known as mining, where computers solve complex mathematical problems. The supply of Bitcoin is capped at 21 million, making it a deflationary asset, which some investors view as "digital gold."

Bitcoin has been a subject of intense debate and interest, praised for its potential to provide financial privacy and criticized for its association with illegal activities and its extreme price volatility. Over the years, Bitcoin has gained mainstream acceptance as an investment and payment method, with a growing number of companies and financial institutions integrating it into their operations.

Bitcoin's value has experienced significant fluctuations, drawing the attention of both retail and institutional investors. Despite its volatility, it remains the most valuable and well-known cryptocurrency in the world, often seen as a symbol of the broader cryptocurrency movement.