Bitcoin (BTC)

Bitcoin, the world's first decentralized digital currency, was launched in January 2009. With its first genesis block mined on January 9th, 2009, it operates on a peer-to-peer network and is based on cryptography, making it independent of any central authority such as a central bank or company. This allows for users to send funds to one another without the need for intermediaries.

The creator of Bitcoin, known only by the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto, proposed the idea of an electronic peer-to-peer cash system in a whitepaper. Despite ongoing speculation, the true identity of Satoshi Nakamoto remains unverified.

Contrary to popular belief, Bitcoin is not a physical coin, but rather a distributed ledger known as the blockchain. The blockchain stores a chain of blocks, each containing a record of all Bitcoin transactions, making it a secure and transparent system.

Bitcoin's decentralized nature and the use of blockchain technology have made it a popular choice for individuals and businesses looking for an alternative to traditional fiat currencies. However, its volatility and lack of regulation have also led to criticism and concerns about its potential use in illegal activities. Despite this, Bitcoin continues to be a major player in the world of cryptocurrency and has sparked the development of many other digital currencies.