Arweave is a decentralized blockchain like platform designed to provide scalable on-chain data storage.
Technology has really advanced which has presented to us the development of the blockchain technology. Blockchain indeed has been remarkable. However, blockchain as a technology also has its issues. One of the issues with blockchain has to do with data storage.
To deal with these problems requires the installation of new third-party protocols which would be integrated on-top of existing blockchain protocols. This integration usually comes at an expensive cost. This makes on-chain storage not to be feasible.
As a result, accessing content with typical blockchain now comes at a cost especially bearing in mind that content is never stored permanently.
Now, as the rate of adoption of technology and the blockchain continues to grow, so is the need for data storage. Not just data storage but cheap and cost-effective data storage. Scalability is also very vital.
On the internet, for instance, to access most needed information, we require access to centralized servers. In a situation where we cannot get the required access, our quest for information suffers.
Keeping these information servers come at a cost for the server owners and administrators and this cost is usually transferred to the person seeking the information which makes it quite costly.
Arweave and Blockchain
When it comes to storage of data, blockchain requirements act as an impediment for currently available blockchain technologies.
All innovations within the blockchain space are controlled by giants, even Bitcoin.
Turning to Ethereum does not also solve the problem as the cost of storing data using the Ethereum native token is incredibly expensive.
Arweave is implementing a data storage solution where it is possible to store data at a low cost. Arweave is mimicking the internet technology but with a difference in the sense that unlike the internet, data on the Arweave platform can be stored permanently.
The Arweave Solution
Arweave is introducing a new blockchain like structure called blockweave which is designed to provide cost-efficient on-chain data storage.
By building a decentralized platform Arweave is lowering the cost of data storage through a system whereby as the number of data stored on the platform increases, the cost of storing data on the platform reduces through a decrease in the amount of hashing needed for consensus.
Arweave itself is built on four cardinal technologies which are;
Wildfire
Blockweave
Blockshadows
Proof of Access
Even though these technologies are closely related, Arweave has succeeded in building a fast and cost-effective data storage solution through them.
Arweave also provides a blacklisting system through its software which makes it possible for the content on the platform to be democratic. This means that the network has the built-in functionality that makes it possible for it to reject content on the network that is widely reviled.
Conclusion
The need for data storage is sure increasing and Arweave is providing a cost-efficient on-chain data storage solution that should not be ignored. The innovation available at Arweave is quite commendable. To learn more about this iconic project, kindly visit any of the links; website, lightpaper, telegram, twitter, facebook
Author - Coltpython