eDonkey, also known as eDonkey2000 or eDonkey2k, is a peer-to-peer file sharing protocol and network that allows users to share and download files over the internet. It was developed in 2000 by Jed McCaleb and Sam Yagan as a decentralized and distributed file sharing system. The name "eDonkey" is a combination of "electronic donkey," referring to the donkey symbolizing an obedient and hardworking animal that tirelessly transports heavy loads.
The eDonkey network utilizes a distributed network of users' computers called nodes to efficiently share files. Users can connect to the network using eDonkey software clients, which enable them to search for and download files shared by other users. The network operates on the concept of indexing files through uniquely identifiable file identifiers called "hashes." These hashes are used to identify the files on the network, allowing users to locate and download specific files based on their search queries.
eDonkey supports the sharing of various types of files, including documents, audio, video, and software applications. The protocol incorporates features like file integrity checks, resume functionality, and the ability to download from multiple sources simultaneously, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of file transfers.
While eDonkey was a popular file sharing platform, it faced legal challenges due to the sharing of copyrighted materials. As a result, the original eDonkey network was shut down in 2005. However, the eDonkey protocol and software codebase became the foundation for subsequent P2P file sharing networks, such as eMule and MLDonkey, which inherited many of its features and functionality.
