The very first and most well-known cryptocurrency. Many people see it as "digital gold."
Bitcoin (BTC) is the world's first cryptocurrency and the most well-known digital asset. It operates on a decentralized public blockchain, serving as a form of electronic cash and a store of value.
To understand Bitcoin, it's helpful to compare it to digital gold. Both are scarce, durable, and hard to produce, making them valuable. Like gold, Bitcoin is not issued by any government or bank, which makes it resistant to government censorship and inflation. The total supply is capped at 21 million bitcoins, making it a deflationary asset in a world of endless fiat-currency printing.
Every transaction is recorded on the public blockchain, which is a transparent, peer-to-peer ledger. The network is secured by a global network of "miners," who use powerful computers to solve complex puzzles, a process known as mining. This system, called Proof of Work, ensures the integrity of the network and prevents fraudulent activity.
Bitcoin's invention was a watershed moment in the history of finance and technology. It introduced the world to the concept of a decentralized digital asset that could be transferred securely and without an intermediary. It laid the groundwork for thousands of other cryptocurrencies and technologies, paving the way for the broader Web3 movement. As a result, Bitcoin is often seen not just as an investment asset, but as the foundation of a new, global financial system.
The second-largest cryptocurrency. It's often used for building other crypto applications and tools.
A type of cryptocurrency designed to have a stable value, usually pegged to a real-world currency like the US dollar.
