Bitcoin is digital money and the world's first cryptocurrency. Bitcoin operates on a blockchain with the same name, and transactions are verified and secured using cryptography and peer-to-peer-based code. Bitcoin is a decentralized currency which means that it operates without any third parties such as banks, governments, or private companies. The cryptocurrency is also not linked to any country's monetary system. Bitcoin is currently the largest cryptocurrency and has historically held the majority of the total market capitalization for extended periods.