File sharing refers to the practice of sharing digital files among multiple users over a network, typically using peer-to-peer (P2P) technology. This allows individuals to access and share resources such as music, videos, documents, and other types of data without the need for centralized storage or distribution. The concept has been around since the early days of the internet but gained widespread popularity with the advent of P2P software like Napster in the late 1990s. While file sharing can be used for legitimate purposes, such as collaborative work and educational resources, it is often associated with copyright infringement due to the easy distribution of pirated content.