Introduction

Welcome to Dapp Mentors! In this article, we'll explore decentralized blockchain storage networks, a crucial aspect of building decentralized applications (dApps). Unlike regular blockchain networks, which focus on financial transactions, decentralized storage networks store data files across a network of node providers, ensuring no single point of failure.

You can watch this entire breakdown on this YouTube video, or else you can keep reading on.

The Need for Decentralized Storage

Regular blockchain networks like Ethereum and Layer Two are expensive for storing large files, making decentralized storage networks a cost-effective solution. Decentralized storage networks like Filecoin, Sia, and Arweave offer cheap data storage, encryption, and permanency, making them ideal for dApp development.

Filecoin

Filecoin uses IPFS as a protocol for storing and sharing files and has been a pioneer in decentralized storage. I appreciate its storage capacity, which allows developers to store files on the network. The concept of miners, storage providers, and clients ensures that data is stored decentralized, making Filecoin a reliable option. However, data encryption is not built-in, and permanency is not guaranteed. Additionally, market volatility can impact storage costs.

Sia

Sia's renter-host model impresses me, as it ensures data encryption, compression, and chunking across multiple computers. This network's blockchain regulates data storage, making it a secure option. I appreciate Sia's object-like storage format, similar to AWS's S3 bucket, which makes it easy to understand and work with.

Arweave

Arweave boasts permanency, which sets it apart from other networks. The ability to store data forever without worrying about removal or inaccessibility is a game-changer. I appreciate Arweave's decentralized platform for building applications, which ensures data permanency. While Arweave does offer encryption tools, data encryption is not a built-in feature of the network. This network has the potential to revolutionize the way we build and store data in dApps.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, decentralized blockchain storage networks like Filecoin, Sia, and Arweave offer a reliable and cost-effective solution for storing data in dApps. By understanding how these networks work, you can incorporate them into your decentralized applications and take advantage of their benefits. Remember to check out their documentation and explore how they can enhance your dApp development journey.

About the Author
Darlington Gospel is a seasoned blockchain developer and educator with over 8 years of experience. He specializes in blockchain development, fullstack software development, technical instruction, and content creation.

We run a YouTube channel called Dapp Mentors where we share tutorials and tips on web3 development, and we regularly post articles online about the latest trends in the blockchain space.

About Dapp Mentors
Dapp Mentors is a community dedicated to helping developers transition into web3 development. Our team includes experienced blockchain developers and educators passionate about sharing their knowledge.

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