In a nutshell, Bitcoin is a distributed computer network (nodes)-based digital currency. However, in a larger sense, the term “Bitcoin” is frequently used to refer to several other concepts, including a protocol, a decentralized public ledger, a digital currency, and the vast ecosystem that includes all of these. These functionalities do, however, differ in some crucial ways.
First off, Bitcoin is the term for a peer-to-peer (P2P) virtual currency that is also commonly abbreviated as BTC or bitcoin (with a lower “b”). A cryptocurrency is basically a virtual currency safeguarded by cryptographic methods, like bitcoin. The first Bitcoin block, also known as the genesis block (or block 0), was mined on January 3, 2009, making it the first cryptocurrency to exist.
Second, blockchain refers to the decentralized public ledger used for Bitcoin. Although they are closely connected, Bitcoin and blockchain are distinct ideas. Blockchain technology maintains the structure that enables trustless and secure broadcasting and recording of Bitcoin transactions.
