Internet Computer (IC) is a distributed computing platform that enables the creation and execution of decentralized applications (dApps) on a decentralized public network. This platform uses a consensus protocol, a decentralized computing and storage infrastructure that provides a secure and scalable environment to build and run applications.
The Internet Computer is made up of nodes distributed throughout the world, which work together. Each node is responsible for storing and executing a portion of the application’s code, and the nodes communicate with each other to ensure that all application operations run correctly and data integrity is maintained.
A key feature of Internet Computer is its ability to run entire applications end-to-end on the decentralized network, eliminating the need for centralized servers and allowing applications to be fully autonomous and censorship resistant. This is achieved through the use of technologies such as WebAssembly (WASM), which enables code execution in a virtual machine within the browser, and Computer Systems Interconnection Protocol (CICP), which enables communication between different applications on the network. .
In addition, Internet Computer uses a decentralized governance system to make decisions on the network, allowing token holders and application developers to participate in key decision making on the platform. It also has a native token called ICP, which is used to pay for services and transactions on the network.
Canister smart contracts (SCS)
Smart contracts in containers or (canister smart contracts) are a powerful and secure way to create decentralized applications on the Internet Computer. These smart contracts are deployed in a secure, isolated environment called a “canister” or “container,” which gives developers a space to safely host and run their code.
These containers are an integral part of the Internet Computer architecture, they run in a virtual machine and are protected from the rest of the network so they can be updated or removed without affecting other containers or applications.
- CSC use the Motoko programming language, designed specifically for Internet Computer smart contract programming. Developers can create powerful and secure smart contracts that can interact with other contracts, access data storage, and use the decentralized Internet Computer network to transmit and receive information.
- CSC can also serve web content directly to end users in browsers, allowing them to interact with blockchain services without having tokens. The IC blockchain can eventually host any number of container smart contracts. and run them concurrently with unlimited on-chain capacity allowing dapps to scale seamlessly.
- CSC are unstoppable and tamper-proof. Imagine building without having to worry about databases, caches, firewalls, CDNs, cloud providers, VPNs, DNS, and even usernames and passwords, Internet Computer abstracts these needs away.
How to configure it?
Setting up an Internet Computer (IC) node can be a complex process, but here are some basic steps you can take to get started:
- Download the node software: The first thing you need to do is to download the Internet Computer node software from the official website (https://dfinity.org/developers). Make sure you download the correct version for your operating system.
- Install the node software: Once you have downloaded the node software, follow the on-screen installation instructions to install the software on your machine.
- Starting the node: Once you have installed the node software, you can start it with the “dfx start” command. This will start the node and begin to sync it with the CI.
- Create an identity: To interact with the CI you must create an identity. You can do this using the “new dfx identity” command. This will create a new identity and provide you with a public and private key.
- Deploying an application: To deploy an application to the CI, you must write the application code and create a configuration file. Then, using the “dfx deployment” command, it will deploy the application and provide it with a URL to access.
Implement a website in IC with Fleek.co
Setting up Internet Computer (IC) through Fleek.co is the easiest option for those who are inexperienced in setting up nodes or who prefer a more user-friendly interface. Fleek.co is a platform that allows users to host, develop and deploy applications on the IC network without the need to set up a node or worry about technical details.
Basic steps to set up IC with Fleek.co:
- Create an account on Fleek.co: The first thing you need to do is create an account on Fleek.co. You can sign up on their website and follow the instructions on the screen to create an account.
- Connect project on Git or GitHub: Once you have an account on Fleek.co, you can connect it to your project on GIT or GitHub. To do this, you need to follow the onscreen instructions in the IC setup section of your Fleek.co account.
- Create a new app: Once you have connected your IC account to Fleek.co, you can create a new app. You can do this by using the Fleek.co interface to create and configure a new app.
- Deploy your app to IC: Once you have built and configured your app on Fleek.co, you can deploy it to the IC network. This is done through the Fleek.co interface, and Fleek.co will handle the technical details of the implementation.
The platform has many advanced features and options and it is recommended to review the official documentation and community resources for more information on how to use Fleek.co and what is its price.
Visit a website hosted by IC
You must follow these steps:
- Open your web browser: You can use any modern web browser such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, etc.
- Enter the URL of the website: You must have the URL of the website hosted on the Internet computer. If you don’t have it, you can search for it on the web or contact the website owner. The URL of the website hosted by IC will have the format “https://< application_name >.ic0.app”
- Access the website: Once you have the URL of the website hosted on the Internet computer, type it into the address bar of your web browser and press Enter. This will take you to the website hosted on Internet Computer.
- Please wait for the website to load: Depending on the complexity of the website and the speed of your Internet connection, it may take a few seconds or more for the website to load completely. Once the website is fully loaded, you can browse and use it like any other website.
Note
It is important to note that access to websites hosted on the Internet computer may require the installation of a browser extension called “DFINITY Canister SDK”. If you are having trouble accessing the website hosted on Internet Computer, make sure you have the extension installed in your web browser.