Internet Computer

ICP CMC #50 in the snapshot

The Internet Computer runs applications called canisters across subnet blockchains. A canister combines executable code and persistent state, allowing a network-hosted service to do more than simply transfer tokens.

Profile checked 14 Nov 2026Asset ranks captured 14 Nov 2026Snapshot & methodology ↗

01 / THE PURPOSE

What is Internet Computer for?

The aim is to host application logic and data within replicated infrastructure. Different subnets run in parallel; a canister shares the capacity and security assumptions of the particular subnet on which it is deployed.

02 / THE ARCHITECTURE

Three questions about the machinery.

How does it agree?

Consensus & security

Nodes within each subnet agree on update messages and replicate execution. Node providers meet hardware requirements and are admitted through Network Nervous System governance. Holding or locking ICP does not by itself turn an ordinary computer into a participating replica.

Where do instructions run?

Execution model

Canisters execute WebAssembly and communicate through messages. State-changing update calls go through consensus; ordinary query calls can be answered by one node, so applications need appropriate certification when stronger authenticity is required.

What is the token for?

ICP in the system

ICP can be locked for governance participation and converted into cycles that fund computation, storage and messaging. Cycles are consumed by canisters and cannot be converted back into ICP through the minting mechanism. Applications can fund these costs for their users.

03 / THE DESIGN CHOICES

What comes with the design?

Each architecture makes choices about security, performance, coordination, and who can participate.

A canister can stop serving updates if its resource balance becomes insufficient.
Subnet membership, governance decisions and application upgrade controllers are separate trust considerations.

04 / IN PRACTICE

Follow one use.

A community funds a discussion app’s canister with cycles. Readers need no ICP balance for ordinary use, but the community must budget for storage, message processing and future top-ups.

05 / CHECK THE EXPLANATION

Sources & snapshot.

Network descriptions use the references below. The CoinMarketCap snapshot determines which assets are in scope and their captured rank; it does not assess the quality of a network.

Internet Computer network overview DFINITY / Internet Computer documentation contributors
Cycles DFINITY / Internet Computer documentation contributors
Governance DFINITY / Internet Computer documentation contributors
CoinMarketCap top 100 snapshot Captured 14 Nov 2026 · See the complete scope audit
Internet Computer (ICP) on CoinMarketCap Captured asset rank #50

Profile checked 14 Nov 2026. Network designs and ranked positions can change.