Bitcoin (BTC): The original cryptocurrency created by Satoshi Nakamoto in 2009. It operates on its own blockchain and is primarily used as a digital store of value and medium of exchange.
- Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC): A token that represents Bitcoin on the Ethereum blockchain. Each WBTC is backed 1:1 by Bitcoin held in reserve, allowing users to use Bitcoin within the Ethereum ecosystem.
2. Blockchain:
- Bitcoin: Runs on the Bitcoin blockchain.
- Wrapped Bitcoin: Operates on the Ethereum blockchain as an ERC-20 token, which means it can be used in Ethereum-based decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts.
3. Purpose:
- Bitcoin: Primarily used for transactions and as a digital currency and store of value.
- Wrapped Bitcoin: Facilitates the use of Bitcoin within the Ethereum ecosystem, enabling it to be utilized in DeFi (Decentralized Finance) applications, lending, and trading on Ethereum-based platforms.