---
title: Retrieve IPFS Content
description: Fetch distributed content using its Content Identifier
seo:
  title: "IPFS Content Retrieval"
---

:::info
Content Identifiers (CIDs) are cryptographic hashes that uniquely identify content in IPFS.
:::

## CID Resolution

### Resolution Process
1. Query local IPFS node cache
2. Search connected peers
3. Fetch from distributed network
4. Return raw content data

### CID Formats
- **CIDv0**: Legacy format (starts with 'Qm')
- **CIDv1**: Modern format (starts with 'bafy')

Example CIDs:
```
CIDv0: QmYwAPJzv5CZsnA625s3Xf2nemtYgPpHdWEz79ojWnPbdG
CIDv1: bafybeigdyrzt5sfp7udm7hu76uh7y26nf3efuylqabf3oclgtqy55fbzdi
```

## Performance Considerations

:::tip
Pin frequently accessed content to your local IPFS node for faster retrieval.
:::

### Caching Strategy
- Hot data: Keep pinned locally
- Warm data: Cache with TTL
- Cold data: Fetch on demand

:::warning
Large files may take time to retrieve if not cached locally or on nearby peers.
:::

## Error Handling

Common errors:
- **404**: CID not found in network
- **408**: Timeout fetching content
- **507**: Local storage full