Bitcoin is a digital currency, also known as a cryptocurrency, that was created in 2009 by an anonymous individual or group of individuals using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. Bitcoin is decentralized, meaning it is not regulated by any government or central bank. Instead, it is powered by a peer-to-peer network of computers that use cryptography to verify and secure transactions.
Bitcoin works by allowing users to send and receive payments using a secure digital ledger known as the blockchain. This ledger records all transactions and is maintained by a network of computers that are constantly verifying and updating the blockchain. Each transaction is secured by a unique digital signature and is verified by the network before being added to the blockchain.
For example, if Alice wants to send Bob 1 Bitcoin, she would create a transaction on the network that includes the amount of Bitcoin she wants to send, her digital signature, and Bob’s public address. The network would then verify the transaction and add it to the blockchain. Once the transaction is confirmed, Bob can now access the Bitcoin Alice sent him.