Deep Dive
1. Purpose
Many online services depend on centralized cloud providers to store data and run software. Internet Computer’s goal is to let applications run on a network of independent computers instead, reducing reliance on any single hosting company. The project describes this as an open cloud for software and data. Internet Computer
2. How it works
Applications run in canisters: software units that hold both code and data. Canisters can communicate with one another and serve web content, so developers can build services that operate on the network rather than only using it to record transactions.
The network uses WebAssembly, a format that allows software written in different programming languages to run in a standardized environment. Internet Computer
3. What ICP does
ICP is the network’s native token. Holders can use it to participate in governance through the Network Nervous System, which oversees network decisions and upgrades. ICP can also be converted into “cycles,” the units used to pay for computation and storage; developers generally cover these costs so users do not need to pay for every action. Internet Computer
Conclusion
Internet Computer is both a blockchain and a decentralized computing platform: it aims to host complete online applications, while ICP supports its operation and governance. How well can canisters support useful services without centralized cloud providers?
