this post was submitted on 14 Jul 2023
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I think "polycentric" is a better term than "decentralized."
Every instance is a center, and is vulnerable to failure and corruption like any service provider. But at least we have a choice of instances, and there isn't a single point of failure for the whole network.
I don't think you quite understand what 'decentralized' means. Decentralization means there's no central server, implying no data collection, no restrictions or moderation, and no banning.
Furthermore, it won't corrupt when a single node breaks down. This is because a decentralized network is essentially built by all users within the network. Whenever one user quits or a node breaks down, there are always other nodes/users available to maintain the network. That's the essence of a decentralized network.
I just said that lemmy is not a decentralized network...
Why do you think so ?
Because it's polycentric. Each instance is a center. When an instance goes down, it takes all its users and data with it.
I know people around here aren't fond of cryptocurrency, but bitcoin is what I'd consider a truly decentralized system. Nothing is lost to the network when a bitcoin node goes down. As long as you have your private key, you can spend from any node, and you don't even need a node to receive.
I believe it's helpful to distinguish between the two types of systems.
Thanks for explaining 😊
Thanks for asking. :) Have a good one.
A federated network is inherently decentralized, because the network can continue to operate in a diminished state after a node goes dark. Your local government and electric grid are decentralized.
I think you're mixing up "Decentralized" with "Distributed." A distributed network operates at full capacity as long as at least one node has (the majority of) the network's content.
git
andtorrent
are distributed.Well, as long as a distinction is made. I appreciate the information. I still feel that "decentralized" should be replaced with "polycentric," but I'll accept that "decentralized" is the standard term for a system with multiple centers.