Definition
The Internet Computer is a Layer 1 blockchain protocol developed by the DFINITY Foundation that aims to provide a decentralized, general-purpose computation and data hosting environment. It uses a network of independent Node providers organized into subnets, running smart contracts (called canisters) under a novel consensus and execution architecture designed to support web-scale applications and on-chain data persistence.
In Simple Terms
The Internet Computer is a base-layer blockchain network that runs programs and stores data directly on-chain. It combines many independent computers into one shared system so smart contracts can host applications and services without relying on traditional cloud servers or centralized infrastructure.
Context and Usage
Internet Computer is discussed in the context of Layer 1 protocol design, smart contract platforms, and alternatives to conventional cloud computing. It appears in debates about scalability, on-chain storage, and application hosting models in DeFi and broader Web3. Technical discussions focus on its consensus design, node organization, and the way its smart contracts manage state and computation within the protocol.