Bitcoin is a digital cryptocurrency that was invented in 2009 by an unknown person or group of people using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates on a decentralized network, meaning it is not controlled by any single entity or government, and employs blockchain technology to maintain a secure and transparent ledger of transactions. Unlike traditional currencies, Bitcoin does not have a physical form and exists solely in digital format, enabling peer-to-peer transactions across the globe without the need for intermediaries like banks or payment processors. One of its key features is its limited supply, capped at 21 million coins, which is algorithmically controlled to mimic the scarcity and deflationary characteristics of precious metals like gold. Despite its volatile nature and various regulatory challenges, Bitcoin has gained considerable attention as both an investment vehicle and a medium of exchange, often heralded as a pioneer in the financial technology space and a potential disruptor to conventional financial systems.