Interplanetary File System (IPFS) is an innovative solution for file storage and distribution on a decentralized network, eliminating the need for a centralized server for content storage and distribution. Its block-based approach, redundancy, and ability to resolve CID addresses efficiently provide a scalable and reliable solution for data transfer with IPNS’s ability to provide persistent domain names adding an extra layer of ease of use to the IPFS network. It uses peer-to-peer (P2P) technology to allow data transfer between nodes on the network.
In IPFS, each file is divided into small blocks, which are stored on multiple network nodes. This provides redundancy and increases the availability of the file, since if one node fails or is disconnected from the network, other nodes can provide the same file. Blocks are identified by their content rather than their location, which means that the same block can be shared by several different files.
CID addresses
A CID address, or Content IDentifier, is a string of characters used to uniquely identify a digital resource on the IPFS network. These addresses are generated from a cryptographic hash of the file contents, making them unique and immutable. CID addresses are used to search and retrieve content on the IPFS network in a secure and decentralized manner.
IPFS nodes also have the ability to resolve CID addresses efficiently, which means they can quickly find corresponding content on the network.
Naming System (IPNS)
IPFS uses a technology called IPNS interplanetary name system that provides persistent domain names for stored content. This allows users to access specific content without needing to know their CID, as the system automatically resolves the domain name to the corresponding CID address.
How to configure it?
IPFS configuration depends on how you plan to use it. If you’re looking to set up an IPFS node on your own machine, here are a few steps to get you started:
- Download IPFS: Visit the official IPFS website (https://ipfs.io/) and download the appropriate version for your operating system.
- Install IPFS: Once you have downloaded the setup file, follow the instructions to install IPFS on your machine.
- Start an IPFS node: Once you have installed IPFS, open a terminal or command line and type “ipfs init”. This will initialize an IPFS node on your machine.
- Add Files: To add files to IPFS, use the “ipfs add” command. For example, if you want to add a file called “file.txt”, type “ipfs add file.txt” on the command line.
- File Sharing: Once you have added a file to IPFS, you can share it with other nodes on the network using the “ipfs pin add” command. For example, if you want to share the file “file.txt”, type “ipfs pin add file.txt” on the command line.
There are many advanced configuration options available and it is recommended to review the official IPFS documentation for more information.
Deploy a website on IPFS with Fleek.co
Setting up IPFS through Fleek.co is the easiest option for those who are inexperienced in configuring 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 IPFS network without having to set up a node or worry about technical details.
Basic steps to configure IPFS 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 must follow the on-screen instructions in the IPFS settings section of your Fleek.co account.
- Create a new project: Once you have connected your IPFS account to Fleek.co, you can create a new project. You can do this by using the Fleek.co interface to create and configure a new project.
- Deploy your project to IPFS: Once you have created and configured your project on Fleek.co, you can deploy it to the IPFS network. This is done through the Fleek.co interface, and Fleek.co will handle the technical details of the IPFS web implementation.
The platform has many advanced features and options, 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 on IPFS
There are several browsers available that allow you to access content hosted on IPFS, such as Brave and Opera, you can also use the chrome or Microsoft Edge extension to access IPFS directly from your web browser.
Once you have installed an IPFS-compatible browser, you can access IPFS-hosted websites using your CID address or through an IPNS domain. If you have the CID address of the website you want to visit, simply enter it in the browser’s address bar and hit enter. Alternatively, if the website has an IPNS domain name, you can enter the IPNS address in your browser’s address bar and press enter to access the website.
Note
IPFS is a developing technology, some websites hosted on IPFS may experience slower load times or availability issues compared to websites hosted on traditional centralized servers.
Some websites hosted on IPFS may contain unsafe or illegal content, so you should take appropriate precautions when accessing IPFS content.