IPFS is a peer-to-peer network for storing and sharing files using content-addressing, where data is retrieved by its hash rather than a location.
IPFS identifies content by cryptographic hashes (CIDs). Nodes fetch blocks from any peer that has them, enabling resilient distribution and deduplication.
"Storing NFT metadata on IPFS ensures the same CID always refers to the same content."
"Content persists while at least one node pins it; pinning services provide persistence guarantees."
Blockchains reference IPFS CIDs to anchor off-chain data immutably while keeping chains lean. Gateways provide HTTP access to IPFS content for convenience.
"A transaction can include a CID that points to a large document stored on IPFS without bloating on-chain storage."
"Public gateways make IPFS content accessible to browsers without native IPFS support."
All terms and definitions may update as the Cryptionary improves.