Bitcoin is a digital currency that allows people to send and receive money securely, quickly, and without the need for a central authority, like a bank. For beginners, it's helpful to think of Bitcoin as a computer file that represents a specific value. These files, or "coins," are stored in digital wallets, which are like online bank accounts but specifically designed for cryptocurrencies.
To make a Bitcoin transaction, you simply send a specified amount of Bitcoin from your wallet to someone else's wallet, using their unique wallet address. This is similar to sending an email from your own unique email address to another, except this transaction contains value. These transactions are then recorded in a decentralised, public ledger called the blockchain, which ensures that all transactions are transparent and cannot be manipulated.