IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) is a distributed file system that enables the creation of a decentralized internet. It works by breaking files into smaller pieces called “blocks” and then storing these blocks across a network of participating computers (nodes). This decentralized approach ensures that information can still be accessed even if some nodes go offline, and provides increased security and privacy as files are encrypted and the network is resistant to censorship.
When a user uploads a file to IPFS, the file is split into multiple blocks and assigned a unique hash code. Any computer on the network that requests that file can then retrieve it by using the hash code, no matter where it is stored on the network. This is because IPFS uses a routing system that searches for the file across the network and prioritizes nodes that are closer to the requesting user, helping to speed up file retrieval.
In addition to file storage and sharing, IPFS can be used to host websites, create web applications, and even build decentralized apps (dApps) that operate without centralized servers. Overall, IPFS is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to transform the way information is shared and accessed on the internet.
