As the trailblazer and undisputed leader of the cryptocurrency world, Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that revolutionized the way we perceive money and value. Launched in 2009 by an anonymous figure or group known as Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin operates on a peer-to-peer network, utilizing blockchain technology to validate and record transactions securely. Its decentralized nature ensures that no single entity has control over its issuance or regulation, making it a trustless and censorship-resistant store of value.<br><br>Bitcoin's primary use case has evolved from being a medium of exchange to a digital gold, considered by many as a hedge against traditional financial systems' uncertainties and inflation. Its fixed supply of 21 million coins instills a deflationary aspect, driving its appeal as a long-term investment. Over the years, Bitcoin has gained recognition among institutional investors and mainstream adoption, leading to increased acceptance in various industries.