Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that was created in 2009 by an anonymous person or group of people using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. This digital asset operates on a technology called Blockchain, which is a distributed ledger that records all transactions across a network of computers.
Bitcoin is the biggest payment network in decentralized finance (DeFi), designed for carrying out payments with ease in a Decentralized, secure, and scalable manner. This digital asset is slowly gaining mainstream adoption with over 400 small businesses in the Philippines accepting Bitcoin payments.
The global Crypto market cap is $1.05 trillion according to CoinMarketCap data with Bitcoin amounting to over $500 billion which is half the value of the total Cryptocurrency market cap.
Bitcoin has been hailed by many as the currency of the future due to several unique features it offers. Here are some reasons why Bitcoin has gained such recognition:
Decentralization
Bitcoin operates on a decentralized network known as Blockchain. It means that there is no central authority or institution controlling this digital asset. Instead, transactions are verified by a network of computers called nodes, which are spread across the globe, making it resistant to censorship and tampering.
Security
Bitcoin transactions are secured through cryptographic algorithms, making them highly secure. Blockchain technology ensures that transactions are transparent and tamper-resistant, providing a high level of trust.
Limited supply
Unlike traditional fiat currencies (paper bills) that can be printed at any time, Bitcoin has a finite supply. The total number of Bitcoins that can ever exist is limited to 21 million. This scarcity is believed to provide protection against inflation and preserve the value of the currency over time.
Borderless nature
Bitcoin transcends national boundaries and operates globally. It can be sent and received anywhere in the world, enabling quick and low-cost cross-border transactions without the need for intermediaries such as banks or payment processors.
Financial inclusion
Bitcoin has the potential to bring financial services to the unbanked population worldwide. With just an internet connection and a smartphone, anyone can participate in the Bitcoin network, providing access to financial tools and services previously unavailable to them.
Programmability
Bitcoin’s underlying technology, blockchain, allows for the creation of smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps) on top of the Bitcoin network. This programmability opens up a wide range of possibilities beyond simple currency transactions, such as decentralized finance (DeFi) applications and tokenization of assets.
However, it’s important to note that while Bitcoin has gained significant popularity and adoption, it still faces challenges and is not without drawbacks. Some concerns include scalability issues, price volatility, regulatory uncertainties, and energy consumption associated with mining.
Although to fix scalability issues a layer 2 has been integrated into the Bitcoin network called Bitcoin Lightning Network. The Lightning Network has the potential to significantly boost Bitcoin’s scalability and enable it to compete with existing payment methods.
The future of Bitcoin as the dominant currency or a major part of the financial system is still uncertain, but its innovative technology and potential benefits have captured the attention of many enthusiasts and investors.
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Caleb is a technical writer at AlteBlock with over 2 years of experience in covering DeFi-related content such as crypto news, exchange reviews, and guides. He is also a Civil engineering graduate who can be found on-site when not writing an article.
