Peer-to-Peer Architecture
Peer-to-peer (P2P) architecture is a decentralized network model where participants (peers) communicate directly with each other without relying on a central server. Each peer acts as both a client and a server, sharing resources like files, processing power, or bandwidth. This design enables distributed systems that are resilient, scalable, and often used for applications like file sharing, blockchain networks, and real-time communication.
Developers should learn P2P architecture when building systems that require high availability, censorship resistance, or reduced infrastructure costs, as it eliminates single points of failure. It's particularly useful for decentralized applications (dApps), content distribution networks, and collaborative tools where direct peer interaction enhances performance and privacy. For example, in blockchain platforms like Bitcoin or file-sharing services like BitTorrent, P2P ensures robustness and scalability without central control.