Bitcoin
Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that operates without a central authority or single administrator. It was created in 2009 by an anonymous entity known as Satoshi Nakamoto. Transactions are verified by network nodes through cryptography and recorded on a public ledger called the blockchain. Bitcoin enables peer-to-peer transactions over the internet and allows users to send or receive payments without the need for intermediaries, such as banks. It is often referred to as a cryptocurrency because it uses cryptographic techniques to secure transactions and control the creation of new units. Bitcoin has a fixed supply cap of 21 million coins, making it a deflationary asset. It is frequently used as a form of investment or a store of value, and it has gained significant prominence as both a financial asset and a technology platform.