: A collection of peers (users) who are all simultaneously uploading and downloading the same file.

: To ensure a file remains available even if the original uploader (the "seeder") leaves, clients prioritize downloading the pieces of the file that are least common within the swarm. Terminology

: A small metadata file (.torrent) that contains information about the files to be shared and the address of the tracker.

The protocol relies on several key technical components to ensure speed and reliability:

: A user who is still in the process of downloading the file (though they typically upload pieces they've already received).

: A game-theoretic incentive system where peers prioritize sending data to those who are currently uploading data back to them, discouraging "leeching" (downloading without sharing).