I am building an open source domain cataloging system, based on an XXX.XXX.XXX format.

INF.REF.DIC (information, reference, dictionaries), for example, would include: Cambridge, Webster, and Urban Dictionary. The purpose is to create buckets for comparative research – like a library.

I want to give my users a desktop application to explore the catalog. So, I’ve decided to host the catalog over IPFS, and build the desktop app in Node, with Helia. This way, the catalog will be fully distributed and easily manageable.

I’m wrestling with a couple of database topographies, and would enjoy some feedback from you guys:

Blockchain

The blockchain topography exists in 4 layers:

  1. Root Index Node
  2. Index Layers
  3. Drawer For Each Call
  4. Individual cards within said drawer

Since XXX.XXX.XXX offers 101559956668416 possible combinations, each inode links to 1296 locations (CIDs for the drawers) within the catalog. As you crawl down the inode tree, you eventually hit the correct drawer for the subject matter you’re seeking.

Each card has 25 entries on it, including: domain ranking (scored 0-9, based on a mixture of credibility and culture relevance), domain name, and description. The card then links to the next card’s CID in the drawer.

The drawback to this system is that I would have to create a buffer of insertions during the day, and then comb the drawers backwards at midnight. The drawers are sorted by the ranking score.

My entire system would be distributed though.

Mounted File System with Key-Value Store

The alternative is something like this: https://github.com/ki4jgt/PPD

An on-disk key-value store, inside IPFS’s built in file system.

The problem with it is that it’ll require me to purchase hosting servers with large amounts of storage data, and eventually use the hashed location values to distribute the data between multiple nodes. And develop a manifest system, dictating which node keys are responsible for which ranges.

What I need

I need some heads to butt together and discuss alternatives, or give me the best option out of the 2 choices. Give me pointers on what to look out for. Etc.

Thanks for your time.