Unlocking the Power of Decentralized Internet: A Guide to Accessing IPFS Content via Clearnet
The internet as we know it is undergoing a significant transformation. With the rise of decentralized networks, we’re witnessing a shift towards a more free and open internet. At the heart of this revolution is the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS), a protocol that enables the creation of a single, global network for sharing data. But how can we access IPFS content without relying on specialized browsers or command-line tools?
The Clearnet: A Brief Overview
The clearnet refers to the publicly accessible internet, where web content is consumed over public networks using standard protocols like HTTP, WebSocket, and WebRTC. While these protocols have enabled the widespread adoption of the internet, they often require central servers and service providers, which can become vectors for gatekeeping and censorship.
Beyond the Clearnet: Exploring Alternative Networks
There are several alternative network protocols that don’t rely on traditional browsers or servers. Examples include onion routing, Gemini, and IPFS. Each of these protocols offers a unique approach to decentralized networking, but IPFS stands out for its potential to create a single, global network for sharing data.
IPFS: A Decentralized File System
IPFS is similar to BitTorrent, but with a key difference: it aims to create a single, global network for sharing data. In IPFS, each file is assigned a content ID (CID), which is used to access it. Unlike traditional HTTP, where a single server provides access to a resource, IPFS relies on a distributed hash table (DHT) hosted by all participants in the network. This means that any host with a copy of the file can provide access to it, making it virtually impossible for a single entity to remove content from the network.
The Pros and Cons of IPFS
While IPFS offers several advantages, including persistent accessibility and resistance to censorship, it also has some limitations. For example, adding content to IPFS can be slow, and mutability is not currently supported. Additionally, not all browsers support IPFS, which can limit its adoption.
Getting Started with IPFS
To get started with IPFS, you’ll need to install the IPFS CLI and add some content to the network. You can reference the IPFS documentation for more information. Once you’ve installed IPFS, you can add files using the ipfs add command, which will return a CID. You can then use the ipfs cat command to retrieve the content.
Delivering IPFS Content over HTTP
While IPFS is an exciting technology, most users don’t want to download alternative browsers or use command-line tools to access resources on the web. To bridge this gap, we can create a proxy application using Node.js to fetch IPFS content and deliver it over HTTP.
Setting Up the App
To create a Node.js proxy app, you’ll need to install Fastify and ipfs-http-client. You can then update your server.js file to connect to your local IPFS server and retrieve content using the ipfs-http-client library.
Using the ipfs-http-client
The ipfs-http-client library enables you to connect to your local IPFS server and retrieve content using the get method. You can then use a for await loop to decode the response and send it back as JSON.
The Future of Decentralized Internet
IPFS presents a compelling vision for a more decentralized and free internet. By using Node.js to bridge the gap between IPFS and traditional HTTP, we can make this technology more accessible to the masses. While there are still challenges to overcome, the potential benefits of IPFS make it an exciting development in the evolution of the internet.