Peer-to-Peer
Peer-to-peer (P2P) is a decentralized network architecture where participants (peers) directly share resources, such as files, data, or computing power, without relying on a central server. It enables distributed systems where each node acts as both a client and a server, facilitating direct communication and resource exchange. This model is widely used in file sharing, blockchain networks, and distributed computing applications.
Developers should learn P2P concepts when building decentralized applications, such as file-sharing platforms like BitTorrent, cryptocurrency networks like Bitcoin, or collaborative tools that require resilience and scalability without central points of failure. It's essential for projects aiming to reduce server costs, enhance privacy, or create censorship-resistant systems by distributing control among users.