What are Bitcoin and Crypto?

Jakarta, Pintu News – In recent years, the terms Bitcoin (BTC) and crypto or cryptocurrency have become increasingly common in media, daily conversations, and global economic discussions.

However, not everyone really understands what exactly these digital assets are. This article will take a simple and thorough look at Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies: from the definition, to the differences, to how to buy crypto and Bitcoin.

What is Bitcoin?

Bitcoin (BTC) is a cryptocurrency designed to function as both money and a means of payment that is free from the control of any individual, group, or institution. In this way, Bitcoin eliminates the need for a trusted third party – such as a bank or money printing institution – to carry out financial transactions.

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Bitcoin was first introduced to the public in 2008 by an anonymous developer or group of developers using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. Since then, Bitcoin has grown to become the largest and most well-known cryptocurrency in the world, and has inspired the birth of many other cryptocurrencies.

As a form of digital currency, Bitcoin is actually quite simple to understand. For example, if you have one bitcoin, you can use a crypto wallet to send a fraction of that bitcoin as payment for goods or services.

However, the workings behind the Bitcoin system are actually very complex and involve intricate technology and mechanisms.

What is Crypto?

Cryptocurrency (crypto) is a digital payment system that does not rely on banks to verify transactions. The system is peer-to-peer, allowing anyone anywhere to send and receive payments directly.

Unlike physical money used in the real world, cryptocurrency transactions simply take the form of digital entries in an online database that records each transaction in detail. When someone transfers funds in crypto, the transaction is recorded in a public ledger. These crypto assets are stored in a digital wallet.

The term cryptocurrency comes from the use of cryptography (encryption) to verify transactions. This means that the process involves advanced coding technology to keep data secure as it is sent between digital wallets and as it is recorded on a public ledger. The main purpose of encryption is to provide data security and protection.

Difference between Crypto and Bitcoin

Crypto is a general term for digital or virtual currencies that use cryptography as their security system. Bitcoin, meanwhile, is one of the earliest and most well-known types of cryptocurrencies.

In simple terms, cryptocurrencies can be likened to the “fruit” category, while bitcoin is the “apple”-that is, one specific example of the category.

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While Bitcoin remains the most popular and highest-valued cryptocurrency, today the crypto world has evolved into a vast ecosystem with multiple projects and diverse uses.

The future of cryptocurrencies is still uncertain, but the growth of this technology-from a once limited concept to a global phenomenon with huge economic and technological impact-is undeniable.

How to Buy Crypto and Bitcoin

To buy cryptocurrencies and Bitcoin, you can purchase them through a crypto exchange platform. Because the price of a single Bitcoin is so high, most people cannot afford to buy a whole BTC. However, on most crypto exchanges, including the Pintu app, you can buy a fraction of a BTC using fiat currencies such as US dollars or rupiah.

For example, you can buy Bitcoin on the Pintu app by creating an account and funding it through your bank account and digital wallet. This way, you can start owning and storing Bitcoin at the amount you want, starting from just IDR 11,000, easily and safely.

Follow us on Google News to stay up to date with the latest in crypto and blockchain technology. Check Bitcoin price, usdt to idr and tokenized nvidia stock price through Pintu Market.

Enjoy an easy and secure crypto trading experience by downloading the Pintu crypto app via Play Store or App Store now. Also, experience web trading with advanced trading tools such as pro charting, various order types, and portfolio tracker only at Pintu Pro.

*Disclaimer

This content aims to enrich readers’ information. Pintu collects this information from various relevant sources and is not influenced by outside parties. Note that an asset’s past performance does not determine its projected future performance. Crypto trading activities are subject to high risk and volatility, always do your own research and use cold hard cash before investing. All activities of buying and selling Bitcoin and other crypto asset investments are the responsibility of the reader.

Reference:

• ETFS. Crypto vs Bitcoin: What’s the Difference? Accessed on February 2, 2026
• Investopedia. What Is Bitcoin? How to Buy, Mine, and Use it. Accessed on February 2, 2026
• Kaspersky. What is Cryptocurrency and how does it work? Accessed on February 2, 2026