$BTC Bitcoin ($BTC) is the world’s first and most prominent cryptocurrency, launched in 2009 by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto. Operating on a decentralized blockchain network, Bitcoin allows peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries like banks. It's capped at 21 million coins, giving it scarcity similar to gold, often earning it the nickname "digital gold." $BTC is widely used for trading, investing, and as a hedge against inflation. Its price is highly volatile, influenced by market sentiment, regulation, macroeconomics, and adoption trends. As both a store of value and a speculative asset, Bitcoin continues to shape the future of decentralized finance (DeFi).