Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file sharing refers to the direct sharing of files between individuals or devices without relying on a centralized storage or distribution platform. This approach enables equal peer nodes to act as both suppliers and consumers of resources, facilitating file exchange and distribution.

In P2P file sharing, users can:

- Share files directly with one another

- Search for and download files from other users' devices

- Upload files to make them available to others

P2P file sharing has been used for various purposes, including:

- Sharing music, movies, and other media

- Exchanging documents and files

- Distributing software and updates

Some popular P2P file sharing platforms and protocols include:

- Napster

- BitTorrent

- Gnutella

- Freenet

While P2P file sharing offers convenience and flexibility, it also raises concerns about:

- Copyright infringement

- Data privacy and security

- Network bandwidth and resource usage

As a result, P2P file sharing has been the subject of controversy and legal debates, with some platforms and users facing legal action for copyright violations.