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How does IPFS ensure data integrity and immutability in its decentralized file system?
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Can you explain the process of content addressing in IPFS and how it differs from traditional URL-based addressing?
The InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) is a protocol and network designed to create a content-addressable, peer-to-peer method of storing and sharing data in a distributed file system. It’s an important part of the decentralized web (Web3) because it enables data to be stored and accessed in a way that’s not dependent on a single, central source.
1.) IPFS ensures data integrity and immutability through content addressing. Each file is identified by a unique cryptographic hash of its content. This means that any change to the file’s content would result in a different hash, making tampering or modification easily detectable.
2.) In IPFS, content addressing involves generating a unique hash based on the content of a file. This hash becomes its identifier, allowing users to retrieve the file from any node in the IPFS network. In contrast, traditional URL-based addressing relies on specific locations or servers to access files, making them prone to link rot if those locations change or become unavailable.