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'''Bitcoin''' (abbreviation: '''BTC'''; [[Currency symbol|sign]]: '''₿''') is a form of [[Digital currency|digital money]] with no physical existence. Unlike traditional [[Fiat money|currencies]], it operates without central control or [[Bank|banks]]. Transactions occur over a [[Decentralized network|decentralized network]] of thousands of interconnected computers, known as [[Node (networking)|nodes]].
'''Bitcoin''' (abbreviation: '''BTC'''; [[Currency symbol|sign]]: '''₿''') is a form of [[Digital currency|digital money]] with no physical existence. Unlike traditional [[Fiat money|currencies]], it operates without central control or [[Bank|banks]]. Transactions occur over a [[Decentralized network|decentralized network]] of thousands of interconnected computers, known as [[Node (networking)|nodes]].


Based on early concepts of digital money, the origins of cryptocurrency trace back to 1983, when [[David Chaum]] introduced '''[[Ecash|eCash]]''' and later launched '''[[DigiCash]]''' in 1989.
The origins of digital money trace back to 1983, when [[David Chaum]] introduced '''[[Ecash]]''', and later founded '''[[DigiCash]]''' in 1989.


In 2008, the pseudonymous creator [[Satoshi Nakamoto]] published the white paper '''''[[Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System]]''''' introducing [[Blockchain|blockchain technology]] and the idea of full decentralization. Bitcoin’s network officially launched in 2009 with the mining of the first block, known as the '''[[Genesis Block]]'''.
In 2008, the pseudonymous creator [[Satoshi Nakamoto]] published the white paper '''''Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System''''' introducing [[Blockchain|blockchain technology]] and decentralization. Bitcoin’s network launched in 2009 with the mining of the first block, known as the '''[[Genesis block]]'''.


Several key milestones shaped Bitcoin’s growth:
Important milestones include:
* The first real-world transaction on '''[[Bitcoin Pizza Day|May 22, 2010]]'''.   
* The first real-world transaction on '''[[Bitcoin Pizza Day]]''' (May 22, 2010).   
* Bitcoin surpassed '''$1''' in value for the first time in 2011.   
* Bitcoin exceeding '''$1''' for the first time in 2011.   
* Gained widespread global recognition by 2013.   
* Widespread recognition by 2013.   
* From 2021 to 2025, Bitcoin achieved increased legitimacy due to events such as [[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission|SEC]] approval of Bitcoin [[Exchange-traded fund|ETFs]], integration into [[PayPal]], and regulatory frameworks introduced under U.S. President [[Donald Trump]].
* From 2021 to 2025, Bitcoin gained greater legitimacy through actions such as [[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission|SEC]] approval of Bitcoin [[Exchange-traded fund|ETFs]], integration into [[PayPal]], and regulatory developments in the United States.


Bitcoin transactions occur on a decentralized [[Blockchain|blockchain network]] where users transfer digital currency between [[Cryptocurrency wallet|wallets]]. Verified by [[Bitcoin mining|mining]] using [[Cryptography]] and the [[Proof-of-work|proof-of-work]] consensus system, each transaction ensures transparency, security, and independence, enabling peer-to-peer payments without banks or other intermediaries.
Bitcoin transactions take place on a decentralized [[Blockchain|blockchain network]] where users transfer cryptocurrency between [[Cryptocurrency wallet|wallets]]. Transactions are verified through [[Bitcoin mining|mining]] using [[Cryptography]] and the [[Proof of work|proof-of-work]] consensus mechanism, ensuring transparency, security, and peer-to-peer payments without intermediaries like banks.

Revision as of 10:02, 18 November 2025

Bitcoin
Commonly used logo of bitcoin
Denominations
Plural Bitcoins
Symbol ₿ (Unicode: U+20BF ₿ BITCOIN SIGN)
Code BTC
Precision 10⁻⁸
Subunits
Millibitcoin (mBTC)
1/1000
Bit (μBTC)
1/100000
Satoshi (sat)
1/10000000
Millisatoshi (msat)
1/100000000000

59 Markets.com, “Crypto market analysis: What are the features of cryptocurrency?” Archived. Retrieved October 2025

Development
Original author Satoshi Nakamoto
White paper Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System
Implementation Bitcoin Core
Initial release 0.1.0 / 9 January 2009 (16 years ago)
Latest release 30.0.0 / 11 October 2025 (34 days ago)
Code repository GitHub
Development status Active
Written in C++
Source model Free and Open Source Software
License MIT Licence
Ledger
Ledger start 3 January 2009 (16 years ago)
Timestamping scheme Proof of work (partial hash inversion)
Hash function SHA-256 (two rounds)
Issuance Decentralized (block reward), Initially ₿50 per block, halved every 210,000 blocks
Block reward ₿3.125 (as of 2025)
Block time 10 minutes
Circulating supply ₿19,934,271 (as of 14 October 2025)
Supply limit ₿21,000,000
Valuation
Exchange rate Floating
Website bitcoin.org


Bitcoin (abbreviation: BTC; sign: ) is a form of digital money with no physical existence. Unlike traditional currencies, it operates without central control or banks. Transactions occur over a decentralized network of thousands of interconnected computers, known as nodes.

The origins of digital money trace back to 1983, when David Chaum introduced Ecash, and later founded DigiCash in 1989.

In 2008, the pseudonymous creator Satoshi Nakamoto published the white paper Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System introducing blockchain technology and decentralization. Bitcoin’s network launched in 2009 with the mining of the first block, known as the Genesis block.

Important milestones include:

  • The first real-world transaction on Bitcoin Pizza Day (May 22, 2010).
  • Bitcoin exceeding $1 for the first time in 2011.
  • Widespread recognition by 2013.
  • From 2021 to 2025, Bitcoin gained greater legitimacy through actions such as SEC approval of Bitcoin ETFs, integration into PayPal, and regulatory developments in the United States.

Bitcoin transactions take place on a decentralized blockchain network where users transfer cryptocurrency between wallets. Transactions are verified through mining using Cryptography and the proof-of-work consensus mechanism, ensuring transparency, security, and peer-to-peer payments without intermediaries like banks.