Blockchain FairyTales: IPFS (InterPlanetary File System)

Randall Campbell
3 min readApr 3, 2023

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Image by Ken Gibson

Looking at the stars, wonder filled the sky as the Curious Bear, the Clever Rabbit, and the Wise Old Wizard huddled together, discussing their most recent escapade. Suddenly, a peculiar object caught their attention — a celestial parchment marked with an ancient seal.

Unfurling the parchment, the trio discovered a map, detailing a hidden magical realm where information was stored, shared, and retrieved in a remarkable way. “Ah, this is the fabled InterPlanetary File System,” whispered the Wise Old Wizard, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

The Curious Bear, puzzled, asked, “What’s so special about this system?”

The Clever Rabbit, always eager to learn, chimed in, “Yes, do tell us, Wise Old Wizard. How does this magical system work?”

The Wise Old Wizard cleared his throat and began to weave a tale of enchantment and mystery. “Well, you see, the InterPlanetary File System is a unique method of sharing and storing data across various magical realms. Unlike traditional means, which rely on a central location, this system allows data to be distributed among multiple sources.”

He continued, “Imagine a vast library that’s dispersed across countless enchanted lands. Instead of seeking information from a single source, you can access it from any of the connected realms. This method is efficient, resilient, and more reliable than our current ways.”

The Clever Rabbit’s eyes widened as he grasped the implications of this extraordinary file system. “So, you mean we can access any information we need from multiple places at once? How splendid!”

The Curious Bear, still puzzled, wondered aloud, “But how does this system know where to find the information we need?”

The Wise Old Wizard, anticipating the question, explained, “It utilizes a unique addressing system based on the content itself, rather than its location. Each piece of information is assigned a distinct magical signature called a ‘hash.’ When you seek information, you request it by its hash, and the system directs you to the nearest source that possesses it.”

“Furthermore,” he added, “the InterPlanetary File System is closely associated with the world of blockchain, as it provides a secure and efficient means of exchanging information. By integrating these two magical realms, we can enhance the strength and efficiency of the blockchain’s enchantments.”

The trio, now fully captivated by the Wise Old Wizard’s words, decided to embark on a quest to explore this wondrous realm. After days of travel, they arrived at the edge of the InterPlanetary File System, where they were greeted by a peculiar creature — the Cryptographic Chameleon.

“Ah, welcome, dear travelers!” the Chameleon greeted them warmly. “I am the Cryptographic Chameleon, and I guard the entrance to this realm. To enter, you must answer my riddle.”

The Clever Rabbit, always up for a challenge, eagerly agreed, and the Chameleon posed its riddle: “I am sought by many, stored in pieces, and found through my signature. What am I?”

Pondering the riddle, the Wise Old Wizard suddenly exclaimed, “Ah, I’ve got it! You are the content within the InterPlanetary File System, which is stored in fragments and identified by its hash!”

The Cryptographic Chameleon, delighted by their wisdom, granted them passage into the realm. As they ventured through the landscape of the InterPlanetary File System, they marveled at the efficiency, security, and resiliency of this magical world.

In time, they returned to their own realm, eager to share their newfound knowledge with their fellow creatures. The discovery of the InterPlanetary File System had opened their eyes to new possibilities, forever transforming the way they would interact with information and the enchanting world of blockchain.

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Randall Campbell

Crypto Product Leader | Empowering the Underbanked | Making the Blockchain Personal | https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallcampbell/