Can we store files in the blockchain?

[larry]

2018-02-01 Engineering Meeting

Background information: https://github.com/blockstack/blockstack-browser/issues/455 never was implemented but Why? and what’s the limit to this? because I can’t add more link check that issue page for more links related to this.

Hi @ucefkh

It’s probably easier for me to answer your questions here rather than during the meeting.

We previously had a browser/core storage driver that worked on s3 but changed our driver model in a way such that driver component sits behind a gaia hub and provides a consistent interface to clients for storage. This why that issue was never implemented

2018-02-01 Engineering Meeting

Desired outcome: Can we use blockchain to store the files even if it’s slow, may be have the file can be uploaded fast to S3 while they’re being uploaded to the blockchain then when that’s done uploading switch the files link from S3 to the blockchain link so we can access it (download or view it) possible encryption too?

There would be little to no cost uploading to S3 since the actual file would take 6 to 8 minutes to be uploaded to the blockchain then the files on S3 get deleted and only stored on the blockchain which will offer unlimitted space but limited size per file (8MB according to Jack?)

Blockchains aren’t for storing files. They definitely don’t offer unlimited space. Bitcoin’s OP_RETURN only allows for storage of 80 bytes of data per transaction. Blockchains are a very expensive and slow storage tool. Check out this video for more about misconceptions about blockchains: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXNhwFXwmR8&index=6&list=PLXS8JJHIn4nEv_LcXIaklH_QAZaDEVD8q

[stevechris]

Good reply. Thanks. And good video too. I mentioned this comment on YouTube: don’t outfits like BigChainDB and Storj.io and others tout blockchain as great for distributed storage? I know that’s more than blockchain, but blockchain is a key ingredient.