Bitcoin is the invention of a pseudonymous computer programmer or group of programmers, using the name Satoshi Nakamoto. In October 2008, Satoshi published a white paper called “Bitcoin: A Peer-To-Peer Electronic Cash System,” outlining his/their proposal and the mechanics of what we now commonly refer to as Bitcoin’s “blockchain.” The Bitcoin network has run continuously and with near-perfect uptime since its launch on January 3, 2009. The open-source network currently secures over $800 billion in value.
