IPFS (Interplanetary File System) is a distributed file system that allows computers located around the world to store and share files as part of a peer-to-peer network.
IPFS is a system that could potentially change the way that users use the internet. IPFS software can be downloaded to any device and once downloaded to devices, it starts storing and serving files. When a file is uploaded to a device with IPFS software, the uploaded file can be viewed on the peer-to-peer network. IPFS relies on a system similar to blockchain networks to store and distribute data.
IPFS works similar to a blockchain-based node network, where all information and data is shared across the network and distributed by the closest possible source. As a peer-to-peer (P2P) distributed storage network, IPFS allows users to access content distributed across the network through the closest possible peer. This significantly increases both the speed of access and the security of the data stored within the network.
Due to the decentralized nature of blockchain networks, it is difficult to find out on which system the nodes in the network store data. With IPFS, there is no risk of a centralized failure, making it harder for attacks to occur. In blockchain networks, nodes are needed to verify data. In IPFS, device systems connected to IPFS are required to store files uploaded to the network. As long as one of the device systems connected to IPFS is online, users can access their pages.
The key advantage of IPFS is that it uses a content addressing mechanism to identify the information requested by the user. IPFS relies on content addressing as opposed to accessing traditional web-based information using a specific address. This method works similar to how a library works. When you search for a book in a library, you usually have to ask for it by name, because books are usually identified by their content. However, instead of a location-based search, IPFS has an addressing system based on keywords that represent related content.
IPFS represents each content with a content address CID (Content Identifier), which is a unique ID. The CID is not tied to content, location, or physical location. Instead, it is generated by a hash function based on the content. Thus, as long as the content does not change, the CID does not change. The CID represents the content itself and once generated, it is possible to access the content using this CID.
For instance, when a file is shared on IPFS, a CID is generated based on the contents of the file. This CID allows access to the file.
As a result, IPFS uses a method based on content addressing, which is different from traditional web-based addressing methods. It provides access to content based on the content itself. This makes IPFS stand out as a decentralized, distributed, and immutable data sharing protocol.
What Are the Main Features of IPFS?
IPFS has some main features. These main features are as follows:
- Distributed and decentralized
- Content addressing
- Secure and transparent
- Automatic data backup
- Fast and efficient
Distributed and Decentralized
IPFS stores data files on a distributed network and so that the user does not have to rely on a single central server.
Content Addressing
IPFS identifies data files using multihash which is a unique key. This makes data accessible and shareable through content addressing.
Secure and Transparent
IPFS uses cryptographic hashing to verify the integrity of the data. This makes the data immutable.
Automatic Data Backup
IPFS allows data files to be stored on multiple nodes so that data is backed up.
Fast and Efficient
IPFS provides faster access to content by fetching it from nearby nodes.
Why Use IPFS?
Users need a reliable place to store their data. This is where IPFS meets the needs of users. IPFS access does not depend on a single central point, but on several systems supporting the network. Due to its decentralized nature, IPFS offers not only a non-invariant storage system. It also makes all data available 7/21 without fail.
IPFS makes data accessible that would otherwise be inaccessible due to censorship. It also removes the control of a single authority over the internet and distributes it among network users.
What Are the Uses of IPFS?
IPFS can be used in many different areas. Some of these areas are as follows:
- Distributed web applications
- Data and file sharing
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Secure data storage
- Offline access
- Uncensored content distribution
Distributed Web Applications
IPFS provides a secure and verifiable web experience by storing web content in a distributed manner. Websites, applications, and content can be stored on IPFS and made accessible through the IPFS protocol.
Data and File Sharing
IPFS allows files to be shared in a verifiable and secure way. Data and file sharing is made more secure through IPFS. Files are stored on IPFS, and users can share files directly through the dsper IPFS nodes.
Internet of Things (IoT)
IPFS can be used in Internet of Things (IoT) applications. IPFS can facilitate data sharing between devices and enables verifiable and secure storage of data.
Secure Data Storage
By storing content on a distributed network, IPFS can improve the security and privacy of data.
Offline Access
IPFS enables offline access by keeping content in local caches. Since content stored on IPFS is cached on local nodes, it can be accessed even without an internet connection.
Uncensored Content Distribution
IPFS offers an uncensored content distribution model. Since files are stored on IPFS, content can be distributed without being dependent on a single server or authority as in traditional centralized content distribution methods.
What Are IPFS Content Identifiers?
The Interplanetary File System gives the attached file a unique address derived from the contents of the file. The given address is called the content identifier. The content identifier combines the unique identifier for the hashing algorithm in a single line. IPFS works with SHA-256.
