Peer-to-peer distributed file system for storing and sharing files in a decentralized way, creating a resilient global file system without single points of failure.
IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) is a peer-to-peer distributed file system that seeks to connect all computing devices with the same system of files. It is an open-source project developed by Protocol Labs with the goal of creating a resilient and efficient file storage and sharing system.
IPFS allows storing and sharing files, websites, applications, and data in a decentralized way, without relying on central servers. This prevents single points of failure and distributes storage and bandwidth among all the nodes participating in the IPFS network.
It works by combining good ideas from well-established systems like BitTorrent, Git, Kademlia, SFS, etc. Each file added to IPFS gets a unique cryptographic hash (called CID) used to identify it. Nodes only need to request content by its hash to retrieve it. IPFS is able to quickly locate files and nodes hosting the content, even if nodes go offline.
The use of decentralization and encryption makes IPFS useful for safe file storage and sharing. It sees adoption to build censorship-resistant apps and websites. Its capacity to address data by content, not by location, allows creating persistent links to files and even websites that won't fail.
IPFS aims to complement or replace HTTP for a faster, more secure, resilient and less costly internet infrastructure. It continues to evolve with wider support and adoption.
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