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<a href="/ja/price/bitcoin-btc" target="_blank" class="blog_inner_link">Bitcoin</a> (BTC) is the first and most valuable cryptocurrency in the world, revolutionizing the financial system by introducing a decentralized, peer-to-peer network. Launched in 2009 by the pseudonymous creator Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin has become a global store of value, a medium of exchange, and a hedge against inflation.  
As the foundation of the <a href="/ja/price" target="_blank" class="blog_inner_link">crypto market</a>, Bitcoin continues to dominate institutional investments, blockchain innovation, and decentralized finance (DeFi). In this guide, we’ll explore what Bitcoin is, how it works, and why it remains the most trusted cryptocurrency today.  
##What is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is a digital currency that operates on a decentralized network using blockchain technology. Unlike traditional fiat currencies controlled by governments and banks, Bitcoin is borderless, permissionless, and censorship-resistant.  
##Key Characteristics of Bitcoin (BTC):
- Decentralized – No central authority controls Bitcoin; instead, transactions are verified by a global network of nodes and miners.  
- Limited Supply – Only 21 million BTC will ever exist, making it a scarce and deflationary asset.  
- Immutable & Transparent – Transactions recorded on the Bitcoin blockchain cannot be altered or reversed.  
- Secure & Anonymous – Bitcoin transactions use public-private key cryptography, allowing users to send and receive funds without revealing personal information.  
- Global Adoption – Bitcoin is used for payments, store of value, and investment, with increasing institutional and retail interest.  
Because of these unique properties, Bitcoin is often referred to as "digital gold" and is considered the most secure and valuable cryptocurrency.  
##How Does Bitcoin Work?
Bitcoin transactions are recorded on a distributed public ledger called the blockchain. The process follows these steps:  
**1/ Transaction Initiation**
- A Bitcoin user sends BTC from their wallet to another user's address.  
- The transaction is broadcasted to the Bitcoin network.  
**2/ Verification & Mining**
- Miners verify transactions using Proof-of-Work (PoW) by solving complex cryptographic puzzles.  
- Verified transactions are grouped into a block and added to the blockchain.  
**3/  Transaction Completion**
- Once a block is confirmed, the transaction becomes permanent and immutable.  
- The recipient receives BTC in their wallet.  
This decentralized process ensures secure, transparent, and tamper-proof transactions without the need for intermediaries.  
##Why is Bitcoin Valuable?
Bitcoin’s value is driven by scarcity, security, decentralization, and increasing demand. Key reasons why Bitcoin holds value include:  
**1/  Fixed Supply & Scarcity**
- Unlike fiat currencies that can be printed indefinitely, Bitcoin has a hard cap of 21 million coins, creating built-in scarcity.  
- Over 19 million BTC have already been mined, making the remaining supply even more valuable.  
**2/ Decentralization & Security**
- Bitcoin operates without a central authority, reducing risks of government control and inflation.  
- Its strong cryptographic security prevents hacking and double-spending.  
**3/ Hedge Against Inflation**
- With governments printing more money, fiat currencies lose value over time.  
- Bitcoin, with its fixed supply and decentralized nature, is often considered a hedge against inflation.  
**4/ Institutional Adoption**
- Major companies, hedge funds, and financial institutions invest in Bitcoin, increasing its market credibility.  
- Countries like El Salvador have adopted Bitcoin as legal tender, reinforcing its role in the global financial system.  
As demand continues to rise, Bitcoin remains the most sought-after asset in the crypto market.  
Recommended reading: <a href="http://www.gate.io/zh/blog/6381/btc-2025-price-prediction-trump-announces-btc-strategic-reserve-plan-whats-next-for-the-market" target="_blank" title="BTC 2025 Price Prediction: Trump Announces BTC Strategic Reserve Plan">BTC 2025 Price Prediction: Trump Announces BTC Strategic Reserve Plan</a>
##Bitcoin Use Cases & Applications
Bitcoin is widely used across different sectors, from payments to investment and decentralized finance.  
**Digital Currency & Payments**
- Bitcoin can be used to buy goods and services from businesses accepting crypto payments.  
- Major companies like Tesla, Microsoft, and PayPal have integrated Bitcoin payment options.  
**Store of Value & Digital Gold**
- Bitcoin is often referred to as digital gold because of its scarcity and ability to hold value over time.  
- Investors buy and hold BTC as a long-term hedge against economic uncertainty.  
Remittances & Cross-Border Transactions
- Bitcoin allows fast and low-cost international money transfers compared to traditional banking systems.  
- Many people in developing countries use Bitcoin to receive payments and bypass high remittance fees.  
**DeFi & Smart Contracts**
- Bitcoin is increasingly being used in Decentralized Finance (DeFi) through wrapped versions like WBTC (Wrapped Bitcoin).  
- BTC-backed lending, borrowing, and yield farming options are expanding across crypto ecosystems.  
##Where to Buy & Trade Bitcoin?
As the most liquid and widely traded cryptocurrency, Bitcoin is available on most crypto exchanges. However, choosing a secure and reputable exchange is crucial for safe trading.  
##Trade Bitcoin Securely on Gate.io
Gate.io is one of the most trusted cryptocurrency exchanges, offering:  
- High Liquidity & Fast Transactions – Ensures smooth BTC trading with minimal slippage.  
- Advanced Security – Multi-layer encryption, anti-phishing, and cold storage protection.  
- Multiple Trading Options – Spot trading, margin trading, and BTC derivatives.  
- Low Fees & Transparent Costs – Competitive trading fees for Bitcoin investors.  
- Staking & Passive Income – Earn rewards on BTC holdings through flexible staking options.  
With its strong security and professional trading tools, Gate.io is a top-tier platform for buying, selling, and holding Bitcoin.  
##Conclusion
Bitcoin (BTC) has established itself as the most valuable and widely adopted cryptocurrency, serving as digital gold, a payment system, and an inflation hedge. What is Bitcoin? It is a decentralized digital currency with a limited supply that has gained institutional adoption, making it a leader in the crypto revolution.  
For those looking to trade Bitcoin securely, Gate.io offers a reliable and feature-rich platform with deep liquidity, advanced security, and multiple investment opportunities.  
As the crypto market evolves, Bitcoin remains the foundation of the digital economy, shaping the future of global finance.


<div class="blog-details-info">
<div>Author: **Cinnie**, Gate.io Researcher
<div class="info-tips">\*This article represents only the views of the researcher and does not constitute any investment suggestions. Investment involves risks and users need to make careful decisions.
<div>\*Gate.io reserves all rights to this article. Reposting of the article will be permitted provided Gate.io is referenced. In all cases, legal action will be taken due to copyright infringement.
</div>

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What is Bitcoin (BTC)? The Complete Guide