Bitcoin is a digital or virtual form of currency that operates on a decentralised network of computers. It is the first, most popular and widely-known cryptocurrency.

Bitcoin is not a physical coin or bill, but rather a series of digital records stored on a public ledger called the blockchain. Bitcoin exists purely in electronic form. It's a string of data that is stored in a digital wallet on a computer or a mobile device. While initially envisioned as a peer-to-peer electronic cash system, Bitcoin has evolved. Some people use it as a store of value similar to gold, while others use it for investment purposes or as a means of transferring funds across borders.

Bitcoin has a maximum limit of 21 million that can ever be created. This scarcity is programmed into the Bitcoin protocol and is designed to prevent inflation.

History of Bitcoin

Bitcoin's history begins with a whitepaper titled "Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System," published by an individual or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto in October 2008. The whitepaper outlined the concept of a decentralised digital currency and the underlying technology known as blockchain.

On January 3, 2009, Nakamoto mined the first block of the Bitcoin blockchain, known as the "genesis block" or "block 0." This marks the official start of the Bitcoin network. The embedded message in this block's coinbase transaction read: "The Times 03/Jan/2009 Chancellor on brink of second bailout for banks," which is seen as a commentary on the traditional financial system's failures.

The first known commercial transaction using Bitcoin was made in May 2010 when a programmer named Laszlo Hanyecz famously paid 10,000 BTC for two pizzas, which would be worth a substantial amount today.

Characteristics of a Bitcoin

Decentralisation: Unlike traditional currencies issued and regulated by governments, Bitcoin is not controlled by any central authority, like a central bank. Instead, it relies on a decentralized network of computers, often referred to as nodes, to validate and record transactions.

Blockchain Technology: All Bitcoin transactions are recorded on a public ledger known as the blockchain. This ledger is maintained collectively by the network of computers (miners) and contains a complete history of all Bitcoin transactions.

Anonymity and Pseudonymity: While transactions are recorded on the blockchain and are visible to anyone, they are not directly tied to real-world identities. Instead, users have a unique address, which offers a degree of privacy. However, it's worth noting that Bitcoin transactions can still be tracked and analyzed.

Security: Bitcoin transactions are secured by cryptographic techniques. A pair of cryptographic keys, a public key (like an address) and a private key (like a password), are used to validate and authorize transactions.

Volatility: Bitcoin's price is known for its high volatility. It can experience rapid and significant price fluctuations over short periods of time. This can make it both an appealing investment opportunity and a risky asset.

Global Accessibility: Bitcoin can be sent or received anywhere in the world as long as there's an internet connection. Consequently, it is a potential alternative to traditional banking that makes it attractive for international transactions.

How Can You Buy Bitcoins?

Before you can buy Bitcoins, you need a place to store them securely. This is done through a Bitcoin wallet, which can be software-based (online, mobile, desktop) or hardware-based (a physical device). Popular wallet options include Coinbase, Electrum, and Ledger Nano S.

Then you need to choose the cryptocurrency platform where you can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Some well-known exchanges include Coinbase, Binance, Kraken, and Bitstamp. Sign up for an account on the chosen cryptocurrency exchange. This typically involves providing personal information and verifying your identity as part of the exchange's KYC (Know Your Customer) process.

As a next step, you'll need to deposit funds into your exchange account. Most exchanges accept deposits in fiat currency (like USD, EUR, or your local currency) and/or other cryptocurrencies. You can usually deposit funds via bank transfer, credit/debit card, or other payment methods supported by the exchange.

Once your account is funded, you can place an order to buy Bitcoin. 

A number of companies have taken an interest in Bitcoin since 2017, including Tesla and Square. The cryptocurrency market has also seen the rise of numerous altcoins and decentralized finance (DeFi) projects. A growing number of investors, institutions, and businesses have adopted Bitcoin, making it the most prominent cryptocurrency.