# What is Bitcoin?

*Bitcoin*

By [bemito](https://paragraph.com/@bemito) · 2024-03-12

crypto

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Bitcoin is a digital or virtual currency, created in 2009 by an unknown person using the alias Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates on a technology called blockchain which is essentially a public ledger containing all transaction data from anyone using bitcoin. Transactions are added to "blocks" or the links of code that make up the chain, and each transaction must be recorded on a block to be considered legitimate. The appeal of Bitcoin comes from its decentralized nature, meaning it's not controlled by any government or financial institution. Its value is purely derived from market demand, and can therefore be subject to significant fluctuations.

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*Originally published on [bemito](https://paragraph.com/@bemito/what-is-bitcoin)*