!!! Overview
[{$pagename}] ([BTC]) 

For current information on [{$pagename}] we refer to others that can keep up with [Bitcoin|Wikipedia:Bitcoin|target='_blank']

Generally, we use the term [{$pagename}] to refer to the [Cryptocurrency] which uses the [Blockchain]

Why [{$pagename}]
It is important to understand that [{$pagename}] was originally designed purposefully to combat the inflationary tendencies of [governments] and [Central Banking Systems]. When economic downturns occur, [governments] are always tempted to print more [cash], saying they are "satisfying demand for cash."" In reality, they are debasing the value of [cash] for all who hold it and reallocating value to whoever the [government] pays with that newly printed [cash].

From [Satoshi Nakamoto]'s thread unveiling the [{$pagename}] white paper:

''The root problem with conventional [currency] is all the [trust] that's required to make it work. The [central bank|Central Banking System] must be trusted not to debase the currency, but the history of fiat currencies is full of breaches of that [trust].''

''Bitcoin is more typical of a precious metal. Instead of the supply changing to keep the value the same, the supply is predetermined and the value changes.''

This is why bitcoin has come to be known as digital gold. [{$pagename}] provides the same protections for savers that gold provided in past inflationary periods, with vastly improved accessibility and portability. This is due to bitcoin’s supply not responding whatsoever to changes in demand. Precious metals are the only other assets on Earth with a total supply that acts similarly, though not as predictably, as bitcoin.

When [governments] decide to spin up the printing presses for their [fiat currencies|Fiat Currency], store-of-value assets like [{$pagename}] and gold serve as exits from fiat debasement.

!! List of Bitcoin forks [2]
[List of Bitcoin forks|Wikipedia:List_of_Bitcoin_forks|target='_blank']
* [Bitcoin Cash] ([BCH])
* [Bitcoin Gold] ([BTG])
* [Bitcoin Diamond] ([BCD])
* [Bitcoin Faith] ([BTF])

!! Why [{$pagename}] and not ???
Part of the answer is that [{$pagename}] has been the most tested and reliable [blockchain] to date; in addition, the relatively robust self-interest of miners, and the financial investment made into [{$pagename}] (and [{$pagename}] related companies) make it likely that it will be around for a good while longer than many; even if [{$pagename}] is not the best choice.

!! More Information
There might be more information for this subject on one of the following:
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* [#1] - [Why Use Bitcoin?|http://www.coindesk.com/information/why-use-bitcoin/|target='_blank'] - based on information obtained 2014-04-10
* [#2] - [List of Bitcoin forks|Wikipedia:List_of_Bitcoin_forks|target='_blank'] - based on information obtained 2017-12-24-