If you are new to the world of digital currencies, you may wonder what is bitcoin. Bitcoin is an open currency that can be used for international payments. Unlike traditional currencies, it is more secure and allows people to transact quickly without intermediaries or banks. The network of users allows people to make payments to one another without a third party. And because Bitcoin is not owned by anyone, it has the potential to revolutionize the world of financial services.
The bitcoin software is open source, which means that anyone can view and improve it. The bitcoin network itself is very energy-hungry, requiring a lot of energy to maintain. Researchers at the University of Cambridge have kept track of the amount of energy needed to maintain a bitcoin mining network. They have created a calculator to estimate how much energy each bitcoin transaction consumes. In 2016 alone, the United Kingdom used 304 terawatt-hours.
Bitcoin debuted in 2009 when the software that underlies it was released. Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous developer who is responsible for the Bitcoin network, has claimed responsibility for its creation. Bitcoin operates on a distributed ledger based on blockchain technology. Networked computers validate transactions and are rewarded with bitcoins. This system allows the currency to move around the internet quickly. With its widespread use, it is now accepted by companies and organizations like Microsoft and Expedia.
