Arweave
Arweave is a decentralized storage network designed to provide permanent, low-cost data storage on the blockchain. It uses a novel consensus mechanism called Proof of Access (PoA) combined with blockchain technology to create a 'permaweb' where data is stored indefinitely without ongoing fees. The platform enables developers to build applications with immutable data storage, such as decentralized websites, archives, and permanent records.
Developers should learn Arweave when building applications that require permanent, censorship-resistant data storage, such as decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, NFT metadata storage, or archival systems. It is particularly useful for projects needing to ensure data persistence without reliance on centralized servers, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional cloud storage for long-term data retention. Use cases include storing smart contract data, hosting static websites, and preserving digital art or historical records.