DID
Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) enable verifiable, self-sovereign digital identities. Unlike traditional identifiers, DIDs are not tied to centralized registries or authorities but are instead created, owned, and managed by individuals or entities themselves. Each DID is associated with a DID Document that contains public keys, service endpoints, and other metadata needed for interactions. DIDs can be used across various platforms and services, fostering interoperability and user autonomy in the digital identity landscape.
DID methods define the specific rules and protocols for creating, resolving, and managing DIDs.
Each DID method provides a standardized approach for how DIDs are generated and used within its framework, ensuring interoperability and functionality across different systems.
For example, the DID:key
method allows for the creation of DIDs directly from cryptographic key pairs without relying on a blockchain or centralized registry.
This method provides a simple, lightweight way to generate DIDs that are solely derived from and resolved using the associated public key.
Further, the DID:web
method enables the creation of DIDs that are linked to web domains by hosting DID documents on standard HTTPS servers.
This method leverages existing web infrastructure, allowing entities to use their domain names to manage and resolve DIDs, facilitating easier adoption and integration with web-based services.