Is bitcoin a peer-to-peer cash system?
Could you elaborate on whether Bitcoin truly functions as a peer-to-peer cash system? I'm curious about the technical and economic underpinnings that support this assertion. Specifically, how does the decentralized nature of Bitcoin's blockchain enable direct, secure, and cost-effective transactions between individuals without the need for intermediaries? Furthermore, how does the limited supply of Bitcoins and its potential for appreciation impact its use as a cash system? Finally, what challenges remain in realizing Bitcoin's full potential as a peer-to-peer cash system, and how might these be addressed in the future?