Bitcoin (BTC) is the first decentralized cryptocurrency powered by the Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus mechanism, introduced by Satoshi Nakamoto in 2009. It enables peer-to-peer value transfer without intermediaries. With a fixed supply cap of 21 million and halving events occurring roughly every four years, BTC follows a predictable issuance model. Underpinned by robust network security and broad market adoption, it remains the world's largest and most liquid digital asset, favored by miners and investors alike.