Internet Computer

Introduction to Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) Blockchain[edit | edit source]

The Internet Computer is a general-purpose blockchain that hosts canister smart contracts. It is designed to provide a World Computer that can replace traditional IT and host a new generation of Web3 services and applications that run solely from the blockchain, without the need for traditional IT. It can also play the role of Web3 orchestrator, by interacting with traditional blockchains.

The Internet Computer Protocol is integrated with the Bitcoin network at the protocol level. Canister smart contracts are able to create Bitcoin addresses, sign transactions to the Bitcoin ledger and read the Bitcoin UTXO set. This enables any app built on the Internet Computer to become a Bitcoin app, without the need for middlemen and bridges. Learn more about ICP bitcoin integration.

The Internet Computer has a completely unique design that reflects a ground-up rethink of blockchain architecture and the application of modern cryptography, which can be traced back to 2015. It was built by the largest ongoing R&D effort in crypto, which has employed many notable cryptographers, computer science researchers and engineers. The blockchain underwent genesis in May 2021 and became part of the public internet.

The Internet Computer is the only blockchain currently capable of running WASM, enabling all components (including frontends) to be hosted on-chain. See more at Introduction to ICP.