Bittorrent

BitTorrent is a peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing protocol designed for the efficient distribution of large amounts of data across the internet. Created by Bram Cohen in 2001, it differs from traditional client-server downloads by allowing users to download pieces of a file simultaneously from multiple different sources (other users) rather than a single central server.

: A game-theoretic incentive system where peers prioritize sending data to those who are currently uploading data back to them, discouraging "leeching" (downloading without sharing). BitTorrent

: Servers that keep track of which peers are in a swarm and help them find each other. BitTorrent

: A user who is still in the process of downloading the file (though they typically upload pieces they've already received). BitTorrent