Peer-to-Peer Architecture
Peer-to-peer (P2P) architecture is a decentralized network model where participants (peers) interact directly with each other without relying on a central server. Each peer acts as both a client and a server, sharing resources such as processing power, storage, or data. This design enables distributed systems that are resilient, scalable, and often used for file sharing, blockchain networks, and collaborative applications.
Developers should learn P2P architecture when building systems that require high availability, censorship resistance, or efficient resource distribution, such as in decentralized applications (dApps), content delivery networks, or distributed computing platforms. It's particularly useful in scenarios where central points of failure are unacceptable, like in cryptocurrency networks or peer-to-peer messaging services.