NFT Metadata

Most NFTs contain a link (tokenURI) to a json file in a decentralised storage like IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) or Arweave. This is useful for when each NFT is a custom created piece of Art, however for item ownership storing a file using this method for each unique item would be costly and add further to the complexity. Pingify approaches this with a hybrid solution, utilising the tokenUri standard for more fixed identity information (branded goods etc) and a heavily optimised and flexible metadata solution for data that a user can customise themselves.

tokenURI

Can be added at the time of minting and is immutable, reserved for namespace NFTs only. Intended for bulk item information. For example: Brand A release 1,000 Pingify IDs to go with their new designer clothing item. Each NFT is minted with the same tokenURI pointing to a product description on IPFS.

On-chain Metadata

Can always be added or updated by the owner. Intended to display information like personal notes and descriptions of the item, icons etc. Encrypt-able for privacy, flexible and version controlled for future compatibility. (Further breakdown in the architecture segment).