What is Bitcoin?

Bitcoin (BTC) is a decentralized digital currency, introduced in 2009, that operates without the need for a central bank or single administrator. Transactions are verified by network nodes through cryptography and recorded on a public distributed ledger called a blockchain. Its supply is algorithmically capped at 21 million coins, creating a scarcity that has led many to label it 'digital gold.'

Its price is highly volatile, driven by factors like adoption rates, regulatory news, and macroeconomic trends. Bitcoin enables direct transfers between parties anywhere in the world, bypassing traditional financial intermediaries, which is a core part of its appeal and utility.