# IPFS comparisons
IPFS is a general-purpose file system that uses a distributed hash table (DHT) to route and transfer content-addressed data. This sets it apart from other solutions with a more specific focus or use of a specific data storage mechanism. For example:
BitTorrent (opens new window) is a peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing protocol that uses a centralized tracker to manage the distribution of files among peers. It focuses on file-sharing rather than file storage.
Storj (opens new window) and Sia (opens new window) are decentralized cloud storage platforms that use distributed networks of nodes for data storage. They focus on providing cloud storage services rather than a general-purpose distributed file system.
Arweave (opens new window) is a decentralized, permanent storage platform that uses a novel data structure called a "blockweave" for data storage. It focuses on providing permanent storage rather than a file-sharing system.
Filecoin (opens new window) is a decentralized storage network that allows users to rent out disk space. It focuses on providing a decentralized storage marketplace. It uses a proof-of-replication consensus mechanism and supports payment in various cryptocurrencies.
Filecoin is built on IPFS and uses the IPFS network for data storage and retrieval. Filecoin and IPFS are complementary technologies providing decentralized and efficient storage solutions.
Hypercore (opens new window) is a decentralized data-sharing tool that uses a distributed hash table (DHT) for data storage. It focuses on enabling data sharing and collaboration.
Holo (opens new window) is a decentralized hosting platform that uses a unique data storage and sharing mechanism called Holochain. It allows users to host and run web-based applications on a peer-to-peer network.
Swarm (opens new window) is a decentralized storage and sharing platform built on the Ethereum blockchain. It uses smart contracts and cryptographic techniques to securely store and share data. It focuses on providing a decentralized, secure, and censorship-resistant storage solution.
# Comparing the key features of other solutions to IPFS
The following tables outline key features of different mechanisms and how they compare to IPFS.
All of these solutions use content-based addressing.
# General protocols
| technology | storage mechanism | data model | networking stack | identifier | address composition | links | use cases | similarity to IPFS | hashing algorithm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bittorrent (opens new window) | P2P file-sharing | merkle DAG | TCP/IP | torrent file | filename + sha1 hash | - | file sharing | low | SHA-256 |
| hypercore (opens new window) | decentralized data-sharing | merkle DAG | UDP | dat key | dat key | dat://{key} | decentralized data sharing | medium | SHA-256 |
| git (opens new window) | version control | commit history | TCP/IP | commit hash | commit hash | - | version control | medium | SHA-1, SHA-256 |
| Secure Scuttlebutt (SSB) (opens new window) | decentralized social network | append-only log | Scuttlebutt Protocol | feed id | feed id | ssb://{feed id} | decentralized social networking | high | SHA-256 |
# Crypto-economic networks
| technology | storage mechanism | data model | consensus mechanism | networking stack | identifier | address composition | use cases | similarity to IPFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| filecoin (opens new window) | blockchain-based storage | merkle DAG | proof-of-replication | libp2p | cid | cid | decentralized data storage | high |
| storj (opens new window) | decentralized storage | erasure coding | proof-of-retrievability | UDP | farmer ID | farmer ID + file metadata | encrypted cloud storage | medium |
| Holo (opens new window) | decentralized application | distributed hash table | distributed hash table | actor model | agent ID | agent ID | decentralized applications | medium |
| Swarm (opens new window) | decentralized storage | distributed hash table | proof-of-custody | libp2p | chunk ID | chunk ID | decentralized data storage | high |
| sia (opens new window) | decentralized storage | erasure coding | proof-of-work | UDP | sector ID | sector ID + file metadata | encrypted cloud storage | medium |
| arweave (opens new window) | blockchain-based storage | blockweave | proof-of-access | TCP/IP | block ID | block ID | permanent data archiving | low |