A peer-to-peer network is a type of computer network where each device, or peer, can communicate directly with others without needing a central server. This means that every computer can share files, resources, or information equally, making it a decentralized system. For example, when you download music from a service like BitTorrent, you are connecting directly to other users' computers to access the files. In a peer-to-peer network, each participant can act as both a client and a server. This setup allows for faster sharing and reduces the risk of a single point of failure. Popular applications of peer-to-peer networks include file sharing, online gaming, and even cryptocurrency transactions like those involving Bitcoin.