DScan: Decentralized QR code generator chrome extension
Tags: web3, extension, ipfs, webpack
Published: 2021-11-30 18:59:12

##Introduction
DScan is a chrome extension that uploads the content to [IPFS](https://ipfs.io/) and generates decentralized QR codes. It is compatible with chromium-based browsers. Built by [BUIDL Tools](https://buidltools.com).

##Benefits
DScan allows you to quickly upload files as well as folders to [IPFS](https://ipfs.io/) by using [web3.storage](https://web3.storage/) and get a "decentralized QR code" with IPFS [CID](https://docs.ipfs.io/concepts/content-addressing/). Later you can share the QR code or hosted [gateway](https://docs.ipfs.io/concepts/ipfs-gateway/) link with everyone for easy and decentralized file sharing.

Benefits of DScan for file sharing:
✅ **Decentralized storage**
✅ **Unlimited uploads**
✅ **Fast upload speed** (will take around half hour to upload upto 1GB of data)
✅ **Permanent pinning** (web3.storage helps to permanently pin your content)
✅ **Zero compression**
✅ **Private** (Share QR codes or links instead of original data)
✅ **Free** to use
✅ **User-friendly**

##Working
DScan uses web3.storage, basically it makes the content available over IPFS and permanently pins the content with the help of [Filecoin](https://filecoin.io/) infrastructure. Read more about web3.storage and how it works [here](https://web3.storage/about/).
We have our separate DScan API Token on web3.storage, it allows up to 1TB of content pinning, after that we can request more storage for our respective use.

After uploading the content to IPFS, web3.storage returns a CID `Qmeq5NxNX644KHNjiWWbWTJHE94BQrXpMDqW4hVNs1WHrk`, which is a hash for an array of files stored on IPFS (for files `{wrapWithDirectory: false}`), and that later is combined with IPFS gateway link `https://dweb.link/ipfs/` to access the content.
QR code is generated with the help of IPFS gateway link `https://dweb.link/ipfs/Qmeq5NxNX644KHNjiWWbWTJHE94BQrXpMDqW4hVNs1WHrk`, which later you can scan.

Remember, anyone can access the content if they have your CID unless there is some encryption involved. So, make sure you save the CID securely for private uploading (we DO NOT recommend uploading confidential content). IPFS folks are currently working on the private network, read more about it [here](https://github.com/ipfs/go-ipfs/blob/master/docs/experimental-features.md#private-networks).

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/i62exu5u0c5rlhk5dc5g.gif)

##Use
**Step 1:** Install the extension from [Chrome web store](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/dscan-decentralized-qr-co/idpfgkgogjjgklefnkjdpghkifbjenap).

**Step 2:** Click on the "upload" button and select the file or folder you want to upload.
![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/e9t9iga06bn841ikagx1.png)
 
**Step 3:** It'll show generated QR code, IPFS CID, and hosted gateway link.
![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/4ow82g6spvlh2uiw3mjc.png)
 
* You can download the generated QR code and then, it's ready for scanning!
![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/i9vqo5n8pvqmx8yknwmo.png) 
 
* You also have an option to copy the CID and gateway URI.
![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/gbl1hzm93j27o3v0ftgw.png) 

##Want to contribute?
Contributions are always welcome! Here are some [issues](https://github.com/AkhileshThite/dscan/issues) to get started.

##Links
💻 Extension: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/dscan-decentralized-qr-co/idpfgkgogjjgklefnkjdpghkifbjenap
👾 GitHub: https://github.com/buidltools/dscan

Built by ~ **BUIDL Tools** 
🌐 Website: https://buidltools.com/
🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/buidltools

Have any questions or suggestions? Leave a comment down below.
Thank you!