# Bitcoin: what it is and how it works · Zorraquino
> Bitcoin is a decentralised cryptocurrency launched in 2009 that transfers value without a central bank, recording transactions on a public blockchain.
URL: https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/bitcoin.html

# Bitcoin

Bitcoin is a decentralised cryptocurrency launched in 2009 that lets people transfer value without a central bank, recording every transaction on a public blockchain

What it means, how it is used and where it comes up, with its related concepts.

[The whole glossary](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary)

## What it is and how it works

It is attributed to a person or group using the name Satoshi Nakamoto. Transactions are validated by a network of nodes through a proof-of-work mining process and recorded on a shared ledger, the Bitcoin blockchain.

The protocol caps supply at 21 million bitcoins; issuance falls periodically and the total will be reached gradually. Its price is highly volatile and regulation varies by country: in the European Union, crypto-asset service providers are governed by the MiCA regulation.

Bitcoin, the currency, should not be confused with blockchain, the distributed ledger technology behind it, which has other uses.

Also known as

BTC

Topics

[Technology and data](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/category/tecnologia-y-datos)

## Related concepts

- [Blockchain](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/blockchain.html)
- [P2P](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/peer-to-peer.html)
- [Fintech](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/digital-marketing/fintech.html)