Bitcoin (BTC) is a decentralized digital currency that operates without a central authority, such as a government or bank. It was created in 2009 by an anonymous person or group under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. Bitcoin transactions are verified through a process called mining, where miners use computational power to solve complex mathematical problems and secure the network.

The value of Bitcoin can be highly volatile, influenced by factors like market demand, investor sentiment, regulatory news, and broader economic trends. At times, BTC has seen significant price fluctuations, with periods of rapid growth followed by sharp declines. These price swings often lead to discussions about Bitcoin's potential as a store of value, its role in the global economy, and its use in transactions.