What is Bitcoin (BTC)?
Bitcoin is one of the most popular cryptocurrencies in the market. First introduced in 2009 by Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin continues to the top cryptocurrency according to market capitalization. Bitcoin paved the way for many existing altcoins in the market and marked a pivotal moment for digital payment solutions.
As the world’s first cryptocurrency, Bitcoin has come a long way in terms of its value. It achieved an all-time high crossing $89,000 in November, 2024.
One does not have to buy an entire bitcoin as bitcoins can be divided into small units called satoshis, named after the creator. A satoshi is equivalent to 0.00000001 bitcoin.
There is no physical BTC token so Bitcoin operates as a digital currency. Bitcoin transactions are fully transparent and can’t be censored, providing a global, censorship-resistant medium for financial exchange. It’s a financial system backed by decentralized network of computers, known as ‘nodes’, instead of centralized banking or governmental entity, thereby promoting ‘decentralization’.
Why Is the Bitcoin Price So Volatile?
The price of Bitcoin has been highly volatile since it started because of several factors. Firstly, the crypto market is smaller and not heavily traded like traditional markets, so big trades can make the price swing substantially. Secondly, Bitcoin's value depends on public sentiment and speculation, leading to short-term price changes. Media coverage, influential opinions, and regulatory developments create uncertainty, affecting demand and supply dynamics and contributing to price fluctuations.
Another key factor is Bitcoin's fixed supply. With only 21 million bitcoins ever to be minted, its scarcity can lead to dramatic price changes as demand varies. This is exacerbated by "whales" or large holders of Bitcoin, whose sizable transactions can sway the market considerably.
When Was Bitcoin Created?
Bitcoin was created in 2009 by an unknown person or group of people using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. The digital asset is based on a decentralized, peer-to-peer network and blockchain technology, allowing users to securely and anonymously send and receive transactions without intermediaries. Satoshi Nakamoto released the Bitcoin whitepaper in 2008, outlining the design and principles of the cryptocurrency. The first Bitcoin transaction, which involved sending 10 bitcoins to a developer, took place on January 12, 2009. Since then, Bitcoin has gained traction as an alternative store of value and payment system, transforming the financial industry.
How Does Bitcoin Work?
Bitcoin runs on a decentralized, peer-to-peer network, making it possible for individuals to conduct transactions without intermediaries. Transactions are transparent and secure thanks to the underlying blockchain technology, which stores and verifies recorded transaction data. Miners validate transactions by solving complex mathematical problems with computational power. The first miner to find the solution receives a cryptocurrency reward, thus creating new bitcoins. Upon validation, the data is added to the existing blockchain, and it becomes a permanent record. Bitcoin provides an alternative way to transact that's transparent and secure, redefining traditional finance.
When Is the Next Bitcoin Halving?
The fourth Bitcoin halving was completed on April 2024. It is difficult to predict the exact date of the next halving as it depends on the block height. Since halving happens every 210,000 blocks, the next Bitcoin halving is expected to occur in 2028.
Bitcoin halving occurs approximately every four years, where the rewards given to Bitcoin miners for mining blocks are cut in half. Following the halving in April 2024, the reward was cut down to 3.125 BTC per block. Halving was built into the Bitcoin protocol to maintain its value as a deflationary currency.
Does Bitcoin Halving Affect BTC’s Price?
The price movement following the fourth Bitcoin Halving hasn’t been dramatic so far. Analysts believe that the cryptocurrency market is much more mature today than in previous halvings. The current economic conditions could also be a reason for no volatile price movements.
Other factors such as market sentiment, regulatory developments, and global events can also impact the price of Bitcoin. Follow our Bitcoin Halving Countdown to know how Bitcoin halving works.
Bitcoin can be purchased on Binance. Bitcoin's price today is updated and available in real time on Binance.