| title | description |
|---|---|
IPFS comparisons |
Comparing IPFS to other solutions. |
IPFS is a general-purpose file system that uses a distributed hash table (DHT) to route and transfer content-addressed data. This sets it apart from other solutions with a more specific focus or use of a specific data storage mechanism. For example:
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BitTorrent is a peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing protocol that uses a centralized tracker to manage the distribution of files among peers. It focuses on file-sharing rather than file storage.
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Storj and Sia are decentralized cloud storage platforms that use distributed networks of nodes for data storage. They focus on providing cloud storage services rather than a general-purpose distributed file system.
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Arweave is a decentralized, permanent storage platform that uses a novel data structure called a "blockweave" for data storage. It focuses on providing permanent storage rather than a file-sharing system.
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Filecoin is a decentralized storage network that allows users to rent out disk space. It focuses on providing a decentralized storage marketplace. It uses a proof-of-replication consensus mechanism and supports payment in various cryptocurrencies.
:::callout Filecoin is built on IPFS and uses the IPFS network for data storage and retrieval. Filecoin and IPFS are complementary technologies providing decentralized and efficient storage solutions. :::
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Hypercore is a decentralized data-sharing tool that uses a distributed hash table (DHT) for data storage. It focuses on enabling data sharing and collaboration.
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Holo is a decentralized hosting platform that uses a unique data storage and sharing mechanism called Holochain. It allows users to host and run web-based applications on a peer-to-peer network.
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Swarm is a decentralized storage and sharing platform built on the Ethereum blockchain. It uses smart contracts and cryptographic techniques to securely store and share data. It focuses on providing a decentralized, secure, and censorship-resistant storage solution.
The following tables outline key features of different mechanisms and how they compare to IPFS.
:::callout All of these solutions use content-based addressing. ::::
| technology | storage mechanism | data model | networking stack | identifier | address composition | links | use cases | similarity to IPFS | hashing algorithm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bittorrent | P2P file-sharing | merkle DAG | TCP/IP | torrent file | filename + sha1 hash | - | file sharing | low | SHA-256 |
| hypercore | decentralized data-sharing | merkle DAG | UDP | dat key | dat key | dat://{key} | decentralized data sharing | medium | SHA-256 |
| git | version control | commit history | TCP/IP | commit hash | commit hash | - | version control | medium | SHA-1, SHA-256 |
| Secure Scuttlebutt (SSB) | decentralized social network | append-only log | Scuttlebutt Protocol | feed id | feed id | ssb://{feed id} | decentralized social networking | high | SHA-256 |
| technology | storage mechanism | data model | consensus mechanism | networking stack | identifier | address composition | use cases | similarity to IPFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| filecoin | blockchain-based storage | merkle DAG | proof-of-replication | libp2p | cid | cid | decentralized data storage | high |
| storj | decentralized storage | erasure coding | proof-of-retrievability | UDP | farmer ID | farmer ID + file metadata | encrypted cloud storage | medium |
| Holo | decentralized application | distributed hash table | distributed hash table | actor model | agent ID | agent ID | decentralized applications | medium |
| Swarm | decentralized storage | distributed hash table | proof-of-custody | libp2p | chunk ID | chunk ID | decentralized data storage | high |
| sia | decentralized storage | erasure coding | proof-of-work | UDP | sector ID | sector ID + file metadata | encrypted cloud storage | medium |
| arweave | blockchain-based storage | blockweave | proof-of-access | TCP/IP | block ID | block ID | permanent data archiving | low |