# DHT Records

DHT records are key–value pairs that are stored in a DHT, and any participating node can efficiently retrieve the value associated with a given key without a centralized server. Meaning, it's a decentralized and distributed database.

***

#### **DHT Records** are the individual pieces of data stored in this distributed table. Each record typically consists of:

* **Key:**\
  A unique identifier (usually a hash or byte string) used to locate the record in the DHT.
* **Value:**\
  The actual data or information associated with the key.
* **Subkey (optional):**\
  A secondary key that allows more granular addressing or versioning inside the main key.
* **Expiration Time:**\
  A timestamp indicating when this record becomes stale or invalid, ensuring the network eventually removes outdated information.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Do not use special characters, or even slashes, etc., as keys or subkeys without testing.
{% endhint %}


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