About
Bitcoin is the world's first decentralized, open-source digital currency that enables peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions without the need for a central intermediary, such as a bank or government. Conceived by the pseudonymous creator Satoshi Nakamoto in a 2008 whitepaper, the network officially went live in early 2009.
Unlike traditional fiat currencies, Bitcoin is governed by a transparent, mathematical protocol. It relies on a distributed ledger technology known as the blockchain, where a network of global "miners" use high-powered computing hardware to secure the network and verify transactions. This process, known as Proof of Work, prevents double-spending and ensures the integrity of the ledger. With a strictly limited supply of 21 million coins, Bitcoin is often referred to as "Digital Gold," designed to be a censorship-resistant store of value and a hedge against inflation.
