Bitcoin was created in 2009 by the anonymous person or group known as Satoshi Nakamoto. Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency that operates on a decentralized peer-to-peer network without a central authority. Among its benefits over traditional currencies are discreet, quick, and affordable transactions without third parties, a limited supply of 21 million bitcoins that increases its value, and transparency through public recording of all transactions on the blockchain. However, bitcoin also carries risks like volatility, instability if the network of miners declines, and loss of coins if private keys are compromised. Since 2009, bitcoin has captured interest from many as a profitable opportunity, payment method, or technological experiment.