# OrbitDB in five paragraphs
OrbitDB is a database, where
each of the transactions
is published in a peer-to-peer
network. Each of the peers can
apply the transactions to their
local copies without conflicts,
even if they have made different changes
at the same time.

Using OrbitDB means using IPFS,
a decentralized file interchange
protocol, that OrbitDB is built on.
The data for the databases are stored
on IPFS.

But using OrbitDB, you don't have to
work with IPFS. You work through the
Stores. Each Store provides you with
a simple interface, where you don't
have to think about the networking
or the underlying data structure on
IPFS.

OrbitDB Databases provide an easy
to use interface to the data on IPFS.
But connecting with other Peers,
in order to replicate the database
across the network, is only
possible if IPFS is setup properly
and connected.

Every peer can copy the database
and the database is not encrypted
by default.
Every peer can modify their local
copy of the database, but before
they accept another peer's changes
into their own database, they
verify the changes.