Non-fungible Tokens (NFT) are cryptographic tokens specially created on a blockchain for validity and authenticity, which cannot be duplicated or counterfeited. Once unpopular and considered adverse, NFT is now widely used across several platforms and encouraged in various sectors. Often, it is advisable to store NFTs on an Interplanetary File System (IPFS) that allows for easy uploading and retrieval of files. IPFS system helps to guarantee security, privacy, and resistance to malicious attacks. This article explores the storage processes involved in IPFS systems.
What are the Methods involved in IPFS
IPFS is simply a peer-to-peer storage network. It is a platform where files can be stored, uploaded, and downloaded by persons connected to the network from any part of the world. IPFS is renowned for its distributed nature through nodes which is a plus for its effectiveness. It responds to requests using the content address depending on the file’s content. Every file on an IPFS has a Content Identifier, also known as a hash. A traditional IPFS will always have a unique identifier for the content address, mostly containing a content identifier, nodes linking through Directed Acrylic Graphs, and a Distributed Hash Table.
How can you Store your NFTs with IPFS
Like any other data, NFTs can be stored in files on a specific platform. IPFS can keep copies of NFTs uploaded on its public network. The processes for storage are relatively easy to grasp and are completely stress-free.
- Acquisition of NFT: clearly, to store NFT on IPFS would require actual possession of the NFT. The first step of the storage process would be the real acquisition of the NFT and the unique token that comes with it.
- Data Upload: owners of NFTs would need to directly upload the file or unique token to the IPFS platform. You can purchase an upload client tool or server to aid storage. A good example is the Infura IPFS Upload Client tool. These upload client tools are essential platforms that allow you to upload files to the system using a single line of code.
- Cryptographic Hash: After upload, an IPFS hash of the content identifier to the data would be given to the owner. This IPFS would b used to indicate the unique content address of the NFTs. Once the hash is gotten, a user should confirm that the hash indeed links to the content of the file uploaded and not the location as IPFS uses a content address system and not a site. The implication is that no one can dispute the authenticity of the NIFT, and neither can its ownership be questioned.
Conclusion
If you have meticulously gone through the steps above, you will successfully store your NFT on the IPFS. t would be best to check in with an expert and follow the process of the book to prevent severe loss. Of course, the information above is not exhaustive. You would do well to embark on further research before you begin your IPFS journey. Nonetheless, they are a strong indicator of how to begin.
