Bitcoin is the first decentralized cryptocurrency, created in 2009 by an anonymous person or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. It introduced blockchain technology to the world.
Key features of Bitcoin include: Limited supply of 21 million coins, Decentralized network with no central authority, Proof-of-work consensus mechanism, Transparent and immutable transaction history, and Peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries.
Bitcoin halving occurs approximately every four years, reducing the block reward by 50%. This deflationary mechanism is designed to control inflation and increase scarcity over time.
Bitcoin is often called "digital gold" due to its store of value properties. It has the largest market capitalization among cryptocurrencies and is widely accepted as payment by merchants worldwide.