Bitcoin is a digital currency created in 2009 that allows online payments to be sent directly from one party to another without involving any third party. It works using blockchain technology, which is a distributed public ledger that records all bitcoin transactions. Each network node stores a copy of the blockchain to independently verify transactions. Bitcoins are created through a process called mining and have no physical form, only balances kept on the public ledger. While it offers advantages like low fees and financial freedom, bitcoin also faces challenges of volatility, lack of awareness, and potential for criminal use on black markets. Its future prospects include further mainstream adoption but also disruption of traditional financial systems.