Application Development on the Filecoin (FIL) Blockchain

Filecoin Software Development

The Filecoin network utilizes several programming languages including WebAssembly (WASM), JavaScript (JS), C++, Rust, Ruby, and Go. Application development on the Filecoin decentralized cloud storage platform is enabled by several features:

1. Lotus and Lotus Node application programming interface (API) integration 

2. Filecoin testnets and devnets

3. InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) and Filecoin-backed Pinning Services (FPSs)

4. Filecoin Signing Library and Tools

5. Powergate Decentralized Storage Solution

6. Starling Command Line Interface (CLI)

The Filecoin network’s foundational layer is powered by a peer-to-peer (P2P) network based on three different types of nodes:

1. Lotus (written in Go)

2. Fuhon (written in C++)

3. Forest (written in Rust)

The Lotus implementation of Filecoin is the most advanced node-based system used by the Filecoin blockchain mainnet. Lotus is a full-featured client (set of protocols and tools) and node architecture built to interact with the Filecoin network. With the help of the Lotus JavaScript object notation (JSON) remote procedure call (RPC) application programming interface (API), software developers can deploy and use the applications they build for the Filecoin mainnet. Lotus uses 4 additional API clients to integrate and send data between IPFSs, Powergate, and Filecoin’s main network. They include:

1. Js-lotus-client

2. JSON-RPC Engine (to run Lotus nodes and daemons)

3. Lotus JSON-RPC Postman sample

4. Filecoin-ruby (for Ruby language integration)

Filecoin uses a testnet for blockchain development, which allows developers to test applications without them being available to the public at large; this testnet mimics activity levels and network parameters on the Filecoin mainnet. Additionally, the Filecoin platform has two devnets, which are independent experimental networks that can facilitate blockchain development and testing processes. Filecoin’s two devnets are Nerpa, which is used mainly by software engineers for building storage applications, and Butterfly, which core developers typically use to test new code before deploying it to the network.

Filecoin is built on top of the InterPlanetary File System, which allows the network to store and share data on a web-based decentralized network. The IPFS verifies (through cryptographic proofs) that user data is actually being stored. IPFS pinning services and other FPSs are data storage and retrieval solutions that enable application developers to execute data backups from IPFS to Filecoin. Pinning services allow for user data to be managed remotely, functioning much like a decentralized Google Drive. These tools can be used by those who want IPFS performance and Filecoin incentives but don’t want to go through the trouble of hosting an IPFS or Filecoin node.

Filecoin’s blockchain development system includes authentication tools, wallets, and JS APIs as part of the network’s signing library. Furthermore, the Filecoin signing tools system gives developers the ability to use WASM and Rust to handle data needed to complete transactions. Filecoin signing libraries are used to sign transactions without being connected through the web to a specified node. They allow applications that are running in an offline environment (or at any location, such as via a mobile device) to engage in transactions that can later be sent to any Filecoin API endpoint. Filecoin also uses JSON RPC server applicability to ensure remote functionality for supported programming languages.

Filecoin uses Powergate, a storage management platform built via API integration, to deploy a complex decentralized storage system for both Filecoin and IPFS. Powergate is also a collection of libraries, configurations, and modules that complement each other to integrate Filecoin into a user’s application or decentralized storage system. Powergate’s primary purpose is to integrate and synchronize the capabilities of Powergate, IPFS, and Lotus with newly developed applications.

IPFS and Filecoin are two separate protocols — both designed by Protocol Labs — that benefit each other but can be used independently. IPFS is a protocol designed to enable peers to store, request, transfer, and share data with each other. It accomplishes this by leveraging a distributed file system that can distinctly identify each file in a global network by connecting different computing devices. Filecoin was created to provide a solution for verifiable, immutable, decentralized data storage that uses an incentive mechanism (through mining, storing, using, and cryptographically verifying data). With its FIL coin, Filecoin incentivizes users to store IPFS content, which runs on the IPFS protocol. In summary, IPFS facilitates the transfer of content, while Filecoin is the incentive layer that stores and verifies the corresponding data.

Starling is a CLI, basically an application to write computer code; it can work with any decentralized storage application using Filecoin’s cryptographic proofs to store data, with the goal of ensuring that files have not been modified or deleted. It is custom built for use in archival contexts — and has the ability to authenticate files over specific periods and works in unison with the Starling Rest API to simplify data storage.

Filecoin’s Crypto Community and Grant System

Filecoin’s ecosystem is evolving, and includes a global community of software developers, miners, clients, users, and blockchain enthusiasts of all types. Filecoin hosts meetups, hackathons, and other events on a regular basis. These events include Filecoin community mining calls and Filecoin Ignite — a series of community events to help members learn, build, and share their expertise.

The Filecoin project’s focus has been to research, design, and implement its Decentralized Storage Network (DSN). In the process, Filecoin and Protocol Labs have worked with its global community and contributors. Filecoin’s grant program was designed to grow the Filecoin ecosystem by rewarding, funding, and inspiring those who contribute to the Filecoin project.

The Filecoin Storage Solution

Application development on the Filecoin network gives software engineers the flexibility to access a completely new decentralized data storage paradigm that can store programs and data independently. By using various blockchain development tools, Filecoin has broadened the technical possibilities and options for developers to contribute to this project.

While Filecoin’s roadmap is ambitious, many fans argue that their development tools and global community will be beneficial differentiators as Filecoin progresses. With numerous Filecoin competitors who have their own decentralized cloud storage offerings now on the market, it appears that continued Filecoin storage solution innovations will be key if it wants to remain among the largest projects in the growing decentralized storage industry.