IPFS
infrastructure · protocol
A peer-to-peer file network that retrieves content by cryptographic identifier rather than by a server location.
- Also known as
- InterPlanetary File System, content addressing
1.concept
IPFS, the InterPlanetary File System, identifies data with content identifiers (CIDs) derived from cryptographic hashes. Any peer with the matching content can serve it, making retrieval location-independent.
2.integration
Blockchains often store IPFS CIDs on-chain to reference larger off-chain files without putting all data in block space. Gateways provide regular HTTP access for browsers that do not run IPFS natively.
Related terms
Hash
→A fixed-length digital fingerprint calculated from data.
cryptography · security
Decentralization
→Decentralization distributes control across many participants, reducing single points of failure, censorship, or unilateral rule changes.
concept · blockchain
Distributed Ledger
→A distributed ledger is a replicated record shared across many nodes, keeping participants synchronized on transactions or state.
concept · blockchain
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