Clear DefinitionsInternet Computer
2 min read
Pronunciation
[in-ter-net kuhm-pyoo-ter]
Analogy
The Internet Computer is like transforming the internet from a network of connected but separate computers into one giant world computer. Traditional websites are like individual shops renting space in different commercial buildings (centralized servers), whereas Internet Computer applications are like shops in a massive, community-owned marketplace where no single landlord controls the infrastructure, and the entire marketplace operates according to transparent, predetermined rules that no individual can unilaterally change.
Definition
A blockchain-based decentralized computing platform designed to extend the public internet with serverless cloud functionality, allowing developers to build and deploy autonomous applications entirely on-chain without relying on traditional cloud services or centralized infrastructure.
Key Points Intro
The Internet Computer reimagines blockchain as a complete computing platform rather than just a ledger.
Key Points
Executes web-speed, web-scale applications entirely on-chain without centralized components.
Uses Chain Key cryptography and the Network Nervous System (NNS) for governance and security.
Implements "reverse gas" model where developers pre-fund cycles for application execution.
Consists of multiple subnet blockchains that process transactions in parallel.
Example
OpenChat, a decentralized messaging application built entirely on the Internet Computer, provides functionality similar to WhatsApp or Telegram but without any centralized servers. Users can send messages, create group chats, and share media, with all data and functionality running directly on the blockchain at web speed, demonstrating how the platform enables familiar web applications in a fully decentralized environment.
Technical Deep Dive
The Internet Computer implements several unique technologies: (1) Chain Key cryptography, which enables the network to operate as a single blockchain despite consisting of multiple subnet blockchains that process transactions in parallel; (2) The Network Nervous System (NNS), a decentralized governance system controlled by ICP token holders who vote on proposals through liquid democracy; (3) Canister smart contracts, WebAssembly-based computational units that combine code and state, capable of serving web content directly to browsers; (4) Internet Identity, a blockchain-based authentication system using device-generated keys rather than passwords; and (5) Cycles, a utility token derived from ICP that pays for computation and storage resources. The platform uses a variant of threshold BLS signatures and a consensus protocol called Threshold Relay combined with Bitcoin-inspired chain notarization to achieve its security guarantees. Development typically uses Motoko (a language created specifically for Internet Computer) or Rust, with canisters having direct HTTP outcalls capability, meaning they can make requests to traditional web services without oracles. The architecture includes node machines organized into subnet blockchains, each responsible for hosting and executing a subset of canister smart contracts, with automatic scaling through governance-approved subnet additions.
Security Warning
While the Internet Computer aims for decentralization, the node provider model and NNS governance create potential centralization vectors. Applications built on the platform inherit these centralization risks, which may affect their censorship resistance and long-term stability.
Caveat
Though innovative, the Internet Computer makes significant trade-offs between decentralization and performance. The governance-focused design relies heavily on the NNS, creating potential concerns about protocol modifications through voting. Additionally, the platform's complexity creates a steeper learning curve than other blockchain environments, and its unique architecture may limit interoperability with the broader blockchain ecosystem.
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