Launched in 2009, Bitcoin is the world's largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization.
Unlike fiat currency, Bitcoin is created, distributed, traded, and stored using a decentralized ledger system known as a blockchain.
Bitcoin and its ledger are secured by proof-of-work (PoW) consensus, which also secures the system and verifies transactions.
Bitcoin can be purchased via various cryptocurrency exchanges.
Bitcoin's history as a store of value has been turbulent; it has undergone several boom and bust cycles over its relatively short lifespan.
