Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency, created in 2009 by an unknown person using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates on a technology called blockchain, a public ledger containing all transaction data from anyone who uses bitcoin. Transactions are added to “blocks” or the links of code that make up the chain, and each transaction must be recorded on a block. Unlike traditional currencies, Bitcoin does not rely on a central bank or government to oversee its regulation, making it a completely peer-to-peer system. Its appeal lies in its ability to provide secure, anonymous transactions and its potential as an investment vehicle, though it can be highly volatile.
