Peer-to-Peer Networks
Peer-to-peer (P2P) networks are decentralized computing architectures where participants (peers) share resources directly without relying on a central server. Each node in the network acts as both a client and a server, enabling distributed data sharing, communication, and computation. This model is fundamental to technologies like file sharing, blockchain, and decentralized applications.
Developers should learn P2P networks when building decentralized systems that require resilience, scalability, and censorship resistance, such as in blockchain platforms, distributed file storage, or collaborative applications. It's essential for projects aiming to eliminate single points of failure or reduce reliance on centralized infrastructure, offering benefits in privacy and cost-efficiency.