# Welcome to the IPFS docs

The InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) is a set of composable, peer-to-peer protocols for addressing, routing, and transferringcontent-addressed data in a decentralized file system. Many popular Web3 projects are built on IPFS - see theecosystem directory(opens new window) for a list of some of these projects.

# Get started

You can quicklystore and retrieve data andinteract with the network via a simple GUI app or a standard browser. If you'd rather develop applications, learn how to build IPFS-native apps or use standard HTTP in theBuild section.

# Store and retrieve data

Quickly store data and retrieve data, no complex applications or programming required:

• Publish content to the IPFS network with a pinning service by following thisquickstart guide.
• Fetch data via it'scontent identifier (CID)using an IPFS gateway.
• For long-term storage, useFilecoin(opens new window), the peer-to-peer network with built-in economic incentives that stores data on IPFS.

# Interact with the network

You can quickly interact the IPFS network using a simple GUI or a standard browser:

• For a simple, easy-to-use GUI application that bundles an IPFS node, file manager, peer manager, and content explorer, useIPFS Desktop.
• Interact with the network using any Brave, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, and any other Chromium-based web browser using theIPFS Companion browser extension.

# Build

You can build apps that leverage IPFS implementations, or use HTTP instead:

# Using IPFS

Build an IPFS-native app using one of the many IPFSimplementations and tools built by and for Web3 users:

• To develop IPFS applications using Go and/or interact with IPFS from the terminal, use theIPFS Kubo implementation in Go.
• If you'd rather use JavaScript, try theIPFS Helia implementation in JavaScript(opens new window).
• Try any of themany other tools and implementations, which are written in different languages and tailored to specific needs and use cases.

# Using HTTP

Connect your Web2 application to the IPFS network using standard HTTP:

• Control an IPFS Kubo node via HTTP using theKubo RPC API, which supportsmultiple clients in multiple languages.
• For an implementation and runtime agnostic HTTP interface for retrieving data, use anIPFS gateway.

# Learn

• Learn what IPFS is and isn't, the problems it solves, the different subsystems that it is composed of and how each one works inthe Basic Concepts.
• Dive into ideas like hashing, immutability, persistence (and more) that underlie IPFS inIdeas and theory.
• Learn more about the subsystems that IPFS is composed of inSubsystems and components
• Get anoverview of IPFS implementations.
• Compare IPFS to other similar systems.
• Understand the project history, ecosystem status and more in theProject section.
• See how other software systems leverage IPFS in theCase Studies section.

# Join the IPFS community

IPFS has a bustling community of designers, developers, writers, and activists who are all helping to improve the project. Find out about the events and resources available, and how to get involved in theCommunity section