torrents

Torrents refer to a method of distributing files using the BitTorrent protocol, designed to reduce the bandwidth burden on a single source. A torrent, whether stored as a .torrent file or accessed via a magnet link, contains metadata about the set of files to be shared and a mechanism to locate peers. The actual content is not stored in the torrent file itself; instead, participants exchange pieces of the files among themselves in a peer-to-peer swarm.

BitTorrent works by splitting files into small pieces and allowing a client to download these pieces from multiple peers simultaneously. As soon as a user has enough pieces to reconstruct the file, they begin to seed, uploading pieces to others. The system emphasizes distribution of upload and download load, while pieces are verified with checksums to ensure integrity.

Traditionally, trackers helped clients discover peers sharing a given torrent, but many networks also use trackersless approaches such as the Distributed Hash Table and magnet links, which identify files by their content hash rather than a fixed file. The presence of a tracker or DHT is optional for many clients.

Uses include the legitimate distribution of open-source software, Linux distributions, and public-domain media. However, torrents are commonly associated with piracy, and many jurisdictions regulate or restrict peer-to-peer file sharing. Legal use depends on the content being shared and the laws of the country.

Security concerns include the risk of downloading malicious or mislabeled files. Users should obtain torrents from trusted sources, verify file hashes, and use security tools. To protect privacy, some users employ VPN services, though this does not remove legal obligations or policy restrictions in their region.