Peer-to-Peer Applications
Peer-to-peer (P2P) applications are decentralized software systems where participants (peers) interact directly with each other without relying on a central server. They enable distributed resource sharing, communication, or computation by allowing each node to function as both client and server. This architecture is fundamental to technologies like file sharing, blockchain networks, and decentralized communication platforms.
Developers should learn P2P concepts when building systems that require decentralization, censorship resistance, or reduced infrastructure costs, such as in blockchain, distributed storage, or real-time collaboration tools. It's essential for applications where scalability, fault tolerance, and user privacy are priorities, as seen in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or file-sharing services like BitTorrent.