Bitcoin is a decentralized, open-source blockchain that enables peer-to-peer digital payments without relying on banks or intermediaries. Launched in 2009, Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency and remains the most widely used and recognized today. Its core innovation is a public ledger (the blockchain) that allows anyone to verify and record transactions in a trustless, transparent manner.
Bitcoin is primarily used as a store of value and medium of exchange. Unlike Ethereum, which supports smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps), Bitcoin focuses on simplicity, security, and monetary soundness. It is often referred to as “digital gold” due to its fixed supply and deflationary design.
Bitcoin (BTC) is the native cryptocurrency used to transfer value and secure the Bitcoin network through a process called mining.
If you’re new to Bitcoin or want to learn more about how it works, we recommend checking out Learn Me A Bitcoin, an independently created educational site with some of the clearest visual explanations around. It’s a great resource for understanding everything from the basics to advanced Bitcoin concepts.