Bitcoin (BTC) is the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, launched in 2009 by an anonymous entity known as Satoshi Nakamoto. It introduced a decentralized, peer-to-peer digital currency system, allowing for direct transactions without the need for intermediaries like banks. Bitcoin operates on a blockchain, a distributed ledger technology that securely records all transactions across a network of computers. This innovation solved the double-spending problem, ensuring that each Bitcoin could only be spent once.Bitcoin's finite supply—capped at 21 million coins—contributes to its value proposition as "digital gold." This scarcity, along with its decentralized nature, has made it an attractive investment as a hedge against inflation and a store of value. Over the years, Bitcoin has gained mainstream acceptance, with increasing numbers of merchants accepting it as payment and institutional investors adding it to their portfolios.However, Bitcoin's price is highly volatile, influenced by market sentiment, regulatory news, and macroeconomic factors. Its energy-intensive mining process, which involves solving complex mathematical problems to validate transactions, has also attracted criticism for its environmental impact. Despite these challenges, Bitcoin remains the leading cryptocurrency, often seen as a gateway into the broader world of digital assets and blockchain technology.