Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency created in 2009 by an anonymous person or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. It was the first cryptocurrency and remains the most widely recognized and valuable.
Bitcoin operates on blockchain technology — a distributed ledger that records all transactions transparently and securely. Unlike traditional currencies, Bitcoin has a fixed supply of 21 million coins, which contributes to its value as a scarce digital asset.
Bitcoin enables peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries like banks. While it offers potential for significant returns, its price is highly volatile. For example, Bitcoin's price has fluctuated from under $1,000 to over $60,000 within a few years. Investors should understand the risks before investing in Bitcoin.