Why are magnetic files called seeds?
In the world of the Internet, Magnet URIs and Torrents are common ways of sharing files. However, many people wonder why magnetic files are called "seeds." This article will combine the hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days to deeply explore the origin of this issue and display relevant background information through structured data.
1. The relationship between magnetic files and seeds

Magnet links and torrents are both core components of P2P (peer-to-peer) file sharing technology. Torrent files (.torrent) are metadata files used to describe file information in the early BitTorrent protocol, while magnet links are a more concise identification method that appeared later. Since the functions of the two are similar and magnet links gradually replace some functions of torrent files, people habitually refer to magnet files as "seeds".
2. Hot topics and P2P technology on the Internet in the past 10 days
The following are hot topics related to P2P technology and file sharing in the past 10 days:
| date | hot topics | heat index |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-11-01 | Security issues of magnet links | 85 |
| 2023-11-03 | The evolution of the BitTorrent protocol | 78 |
| 2023-11-05 | Comparison of torrent files and magnet links | 92 |
| 2023-11-07 | Application of P2P technology in blockchain | 88 |
| 2023-11-09 | Global P2P file sharing trends | 76 |
3. Why are magnetic files called “seeds”?
1.functional similarity: Both magnet links and seed files are used to describe the basic information of the file (such as file name, size, hash value, etc.), and realize file distribution through the P2P network. Users are used to referring to both as "seeds".
2.History: Torrent files are an early product of the BitTorrent protocol, and magnet links are its upgraded version. Due to the higher popularity of torrent files, magnet links are also included in the category of "seeds".
3.User habits: In the P2P community, "torrent" has become synonymous with file sharing. Even if the technology iterates, users still use this title.
4. Comparison between magnet links and torrent files
| Comparative item | Magnet link | torrent file |
|---|---|---|
| File format | text string (URI) | .torrent files |
| Depend on server | No Tracker server required | Requires Tracker server |
| Distribution method | Directly via DHT network | Rely on centralized tracker |
| Popularization time | After 2009 | 2001 to present |
5. Future trends
With the continuous development of P2P technology, magnet links are gradually replacing traditional torrent files because of their decentralization and efficiency. However, the term "seed" would continue to be widely used, becoming an iconic word in file-sharing culture.
In summary, magnetic files are called "seeds" as a result of the combination of technological evolution and user habits. Whether it's magnet links or torrent files, they are driving the advancement of Internet file sharing.
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