#CryptoIntegration Trade

Table of Contents

By The Investopedia Team Updated December 05, 2024

Reviewed by Julius Mansa

Fact checked by Amanda Jackson

Part of the Series

Bitcoin Basics

What Is Bitcoin?

Bitcoin (BTC) is a cryptocurrency (a virtual currency) designed to act as money and a form of payment outside the control of any one person, group, or entity. This removes the need for trusted third-party involvement (e.g., a mint or bank) in financial transactions.

Bitcoin was introduced to the public in 2008 by an anonymous developer or group of developers using the name Satoshi Nakamoto. It has since become the most well-known and largest cryptocurrency in the world. Its popularity has inspired the development of many other cryptocurrencies.

Read on to learn more about the cryptocurrency that started it all—the history behind it, how to buy it, mine it, and what it can be used for.

Key Takeaways

Bitcoin is the end product of the work of many people, but it is generally accepted that Satoshi Nakamoto created it and introduced it in 2008.

Bitcoin is the public blockchain