Bitcoin.
Bitcoin is the first and most well known cryptocurrency, created in 2009 as a form of digital money that operates without banks.
Quick Reference:
Launched in 2009. Satoshi Nakamoto. Digital money. 21 Million Supply.
Expanded Explanation:
Bitcoin was the first successful attempt at creating money that works peer to peer, without a central authority. Instead of banks, it uses blockchain technology. A decentralised ledger to record transactions. New bitcoins are created through a process called mining, where computers solve puzzles to validate transactions.
For beginners, Bitcoin is often seen as “Digital gold”. It is limited in supply, widely traded, and has become a foundation for the entire cryptocurrency industry. While it is volatile, it has also been the entry point for millions of first time investors.