It is a decentralised digital currency that uses blockchain technology to ensure transparency and security of transactions.
Bitcoin (BTC) is the first and most famous cryptocurrency created by an unknown person or group of individuals under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto in 2009.
Features of Bitcoin:
1. Decentralisation:
- Bitcoin does not have a central control body or regulator. Transactions are processed through a network of nodes (nodes) distributed around the world, which provides censorship resistance and protection against centralised attacks.
2. Security:
- Using cryptography to protect transactions and store funds. Transactions are confirmed using complex cryptographic algorithms, making them extremely difficult to fake or modify.
3. Limited emission:
- The maximum number of bitcoins is limited to 21 million coins. This limitation ensures the deflationary nature of the currency, as new coins are created more and more slowly until the limit is reached.
4. High volatility:
- The price of Bitcoin is subject to significant fluctuations, which can be attractive to investors, but also creates risks. Volatility is often associated with market speculation, news and regulatory changes.
Application of Bitcoin:
1. Investments:
- Bitcoin is often seen as an asset for investments with potentially high returns. Many investors invest in Bitcoin with the hope of increasing its value in the future.
2. Value preservation tool (digital gold):
- Bitcoin is sometimes called "digital gold" because of its limited emission and ability to store value. Some investors use Bitcoin as a means of hedging against inflation and economic instability.
3. International transactions:
- Bitcoin is used for fast and cheap international transfers. Due to its decentralised nature, Bitcoin avoids traditional banking fees and delays.
Bitcoin has become the basis for the development of thousands of other cryptocurrencies and blockchain-related technologies and remains one of the most influential assets in the digital economy.