Overview
IPFS is a protocol and peer-to-peer network for storing and sharing data in a distributed file system. Unlike the traditional web (HTTP), which is location-addressed (where the data is), IPFS is content-addressed (what the data is).
Key Concepts
- Content Addressing: Every file is given a unique cryptographic hash (CID). If the file changes, its CID changes.
- Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG): IPFS uses Merkle DAGs to represent file structures and ensure data integrity.
- Pinning: The process of telling an IPFS node to keep a specific piece of data and not delete it during garbage collection.
Web3 Usage
IPFS is the standard for storing NFT metadata and media, as well as hosting decentralized website frontends, ensuring that the content remains accessible even if a central server goes down.