Bitcoin
Bitcoin is a revolutionary form of digital currency that operates on a decentralized network, enabling individuals to send and receive payments without relying on traditional financial institutions. It was created in 2009 by an anonymous person or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto.
Key aspects of Bitcoin include:
- Decentralization: Bitcoin operates on a distributed ledger technology called blockchain, which is maintained by a global network of computers. This decentralized structure ensures that no single entity has control over the currency or the network.
- Pseudonymity: While Bitcoin transactions are recorded on the blockchain, user identities are represented by unique addresses rather than personal information. This provides a level of pseudonymity, although transactions can still be traced.
- Limited supply: The total supply of Bitcoin is capped at 21 million coins. This finite supply contributes to its perceived value and helps protect against inflation.
- Divisibility: Bitcoin can be divided into smaller units called satoshis (named after its creator). Each Bitcoin is divisible up to 8 decimal places, allowing for micro-transactions.
Bitcoin has gained significant attention as an investment asset and a means of payment. Its value is determined by market demand and supply, and it can be bought, sold, or traded on various cryptocurrency exchanges. However, its price is known to be highly volatile, and the regulatory landscape surrounding cryptocurrencies is still evolving.