Bitcoin is a groundbreaking digital currency that operates on a decentralized, peer-to-peer network. Created in 2009 by an anonymous entity known as Satoshi Nakamoto, it was the first of its kind, and it fundamentally changed the way people think about money. Unlike traditional currencies, Bitcoin has no central authority, such as a bank or government, to manage or issue it.
Its core technology is the blockchain, a public, distributed ledger that securely records every transaction. This immutable record is maintained by a global network of “miners” who use powerful computers to verify and add new transaction blocks to the chain, a process known as “proof of work.” This cryptographic security and transparency make transactions on the Bitcoin network incredibly secure and resistant to fraud. With a finite supply of 21 million coins, Bitcoin is designed to be a deflationary asset, and it is often referred to as “digital gold” due to its scarcity and potential as a store of value.