Understanding Bitcoin: How the World's First Cryptocurrency Works
Understanding Bitcoin: How the World's First Cryptocurrency Works **Introduction** Bitcoin, introduced in 2009 by an unknown person or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto, revolutionized the financial landscape by introducing the concept of decentralized digital currency. As the pioneer of blockchain technology, Bitcoin operates on a decentralized network of computers and utilizes cryptographic principles to facilitate secure transactions without the need for intermediaries like banks or governments. In this article, we delve into the workings of Bitcoin and explore the key mechanisms that underpin its functionality. **1. Blockchain Technology** At the core of Bitcoin's operation is blockchain technology, a distributed ledger system that records all transactions in a chronological and immutable manner. The blockchain consists of a series of interconnected blocks, each containing a list of verified transactions. These blocks are linked together using cryptographic hashes,...