AION Explained
What Is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is a public payment and settlement network with no central issuer. BTC is its native digital asset, and the protocol limits total issuance to 21 million units.
How Bitcoin works
Users sign transactions with private keys. Nodes verify the protocol rules, while miners use proof of work to order valid transactions into blocks. This separation lets anyone audit the ledger without asking a company for permission.
- Public, auditable transaction history
- Proof-of-work security
- Predictable issuance schedule
Why people use BTC
People use BTC for self-custody, settlement and as a scarce digital asset. Those uses do not make its price stable or guarantee future demand.
- Transfers can be global and final
- Ownership can be held without an intermediary
- Markets trade continuously and can move sharply
What can go wrong
Bitcoin transactions are normally irreversible. Losing a recovery phrase, sending to the wrong address or trusting a fraudulent service can cause permanent loss. Regulation, taxes, fees and market liquidity also vary by jurisdiction and time.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bitcoin controlled by one company?
No. Bitcoin is an open protocol implemented by independent software projects, miners, nodes, wallets and users. No single participant can unilaterally change the rules accepted by every node.
Primary references
These references define the protocol, product or safety concepts used in this guide. They are provided for verification, not as endorsements.
Educational content only. This page does not recommend buying, selling or holding any asset. Verify current product, tax and regulatory details for your jurisdiction.