Bitcoin

Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that operates without a central authority or single administrator. Transactions are verified by network nodes through cryptography and recorded in a public distributed ledger called a blockchain. Bitcoin was invented in 2008 by an unknown person or group of people using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto and released as open-source software in 2009. It allows for peer-to-peer transactions over the internet and enables users to send or receive payment for goods and services. Bitcoin is characterized by its limited supply, capped at 21 million coins, which creates scarcity. It is often seen as a store of value and is used both for investment purposes and as a medium of exchange. The security and integrity of the Bitcoin network are maintained through a process called mining, where participants solve complex mathematical problems to validate transactions and earn new bitcoins as rewards. Overall, Bitcoin has become a prominent and influential player in the world of finance and is often associated with the broader concept of cryptocurrencies.