Web2, the second generation of the internet that we are familiar with today, has introduced us to interactive functionality. However, as the web continues to evolve, a new generation known as Web3 is actively being developed. Web3 brings decentralized and permissionless systems that run on the blockchain. If you’re a developer, transitioning into the Web3 world could open doors to contribute to cutting-edge technology and be at the forefront of innovation.
What is a Blockchain?
First, let’s understand what a blockchain is. A blockchain is a public record of transactions, also known as a state machine. It is distributed across multiple nodes, making it resistant to manipulation by any single entity. Once a block is added to a blockchain, the data within it cannot be altered. Blocks are linked together in chronological order and identified by unique hashes, creating an immutable chain.
Transitioning from Web2 to Web3 as a Developer
Transitioning from Web2 to Web3 can be a daunting task for developers. One of the primary differences is the architecture of Web3 applications, also called decentralized applications (dApps). In Web2, there is a reliance on centralized entities such as servers and databases. However, the main principle of Web3 is decentralization, with the blockchain as its backbone. As a Web3 developer, you won’t depend on centralized entities but rather on smart contracts deployed on the blockchain.
In this article, we’ll break down the fundamental differences in architecture between Web2 and Web3, explain the Web3 stack, and set expectations for developers entering the Web3 world.
Web2 Architecture
In Web2 architecture, there are typically three main components: a frontend, a backend, and a database. The frontend handles user interaction and communicates with the backend, which fetches data from the database and returns it to the frontend. All the data is stored in a centralized database.
For example, consider a content-sharing platform like Twitter. Twitter’s frontend allows users to view and post content. The backend receives requests from the frontend, fetches data from the database, and returns the response. In this case, Twitter owns all the elements users interact with.
The Pros and Cons of Web2
Web2 offers advantages such as seamless user experiences and accessibility. Users can easily interact with websites, scroll through content, and perform actions with a few clicks. However, there are also disadvantages to Web2, including security and reliability concerns. Centralized servers are vulnerable to outages and data breaches.
Web3 Architecture
Web3 architecture is different because it focuses on decentralization, eliminating the need for a centralized backend and database. In a Web3 dApp, smart contracts act as the backend. These contracts are programs deployed and stored on the blockchain. Smart contracts define the logic and rules of the application.
To post new content on a Web3 version of Twitter, a user would send a transaction to Twitter’s smart contract address along with the necessary data. This transaction would trigger the smart contract’s function responsible for posting the content.
Backend Architecture
In Web3 development, the backend architecture revolves around smart contracts. These contracts are written in languages like Solidity or Vyper and compiled into bytecode. Once deployed to the blockchain, the contracts can be accessed through their unique addresses. Transactions define the actions to be taken, involving external owned accounts (EOAs) and smart contracts.
Frontend Architecture
The frontend of a Web3 application has similarities to a Web2 application, serving as the user interface. However, data retrieval and submission differ in Web3. Instead of querying a centralized server or API, the frontend interacts with decentralized nodes or providers. These providers allow access to the blockchain’s data through JSON-RPC APIs. Libraries like Ethers.js or Web3.js facilitate this interaction.
To retrieve on-chain data, the frontend makes requests to providers, which fetch the data from the blockchain. Transactions are only necessary when modifying the blockchain’s state. For submitting on-chain data, users must sign a transaction using their private key and pay transaction fees (gas). Wallets like MetaMask assist in signing transactions securely.
Indexing Solutions
To efficiently query data from the blockchain, developers can use indexing solutions. Indexers organize and process blockchain data, improving query performance. Just as Google indexes the internet for Web2, solutions like The Graph or SubQuery index blockchain data for Web3. These indexers use GraphQL as a query language.
Storage Solutions
Storing large amounts of data on the blockchain can be expensive and impractical. Web3 developers often turn to decentralized storage solutions like IPFS (InterPlanetary File System). IPFS distributes data across multiple nodes, providing secure and accessible storage. Libraries like JS-IPFS or web3.storage interact with IPFS nodes to retrieve or upload stored data in Web3 applications.
Off-Chain Data Solutions: Oracles
Oracles play a crucial role in Web3 by providing external data to smart contracts. Smart contracts cannot access data outside the blockchain, so oracles act as intermediaries. They retrieve data from external sources through APIs and supply it to the blockchain. Popular oracle solutions include Chainlink, Band Protocol, and Razor Network.
Tokenization and Token Standards
Tokenization is a key element in Web3 applications. Tokens represent ownership rights, assets, or value in a digital form. They enable efficient storage and transfer of assets on the blockchain. Token standards like ERC-20 and ERC-721 define interfaces for fungible and non-fungible tokens, respectively. Developers can create their own tokens using these standards to power their platforms and provide economic models.
With Web3 development, you have the opportunity to explore decentralized and trustless systems powered by blockchain technology. Transitioning from Web2 to Web3 architecture requires understanding the principles of decentralization, smart contracts, transaction handling, and integrating solutions like indexing, storage, oracles, and tokenization.
With this overview, you now have a better understanding of the differences between Web2 and Web3 development. Embrace the potential of Web3 and contribute to the cutting-edge technologies that will shape the future of the internet.
FAQs
Q: What is Web3 development?
A: Web3 development refers to the creation of decentralized applications (dApps) that operate on the blockchain. It involves using smart contracts, decentralized storage, oracles, and tokenization to build trustless and transparent systems.
Q: How does Web3 differ from Web2?
A: Web2 is the current generation of the internet, characterized by centralized systems and data storage. Web3, on the other hand, emphasizes decentralization, immutability, and trustlessness through the use of blockchain technology.
Q: What are the benefits of Web3 development?
A: Web3 development offers several benefits, including enhanced security, increased transparency, censorship resistance, and new economic models through tokenization. It also allows developers to be at the forefront of innovation in the rapidly evolving blockchain space.
Q: What are the challenges of transitioning from Web2 to Web3?
A: Transitioning from Web2 to Web3 requires developers to learn new technologies, such as smart contract development, decentralized storage, oracles, and token standards. It also involves understanding the principles of decentralization and adapting to a paradigm shift in architecture.
Q: Are there any tools available for Web3 development?
A: Yes, there are several tools available for Web3 development. These include libraries like Ethers.js and Web3.js for interacting with the blockchain, frameworks like Hardhat and Remix for smart contract development, and indexing solutions like The Graph and SubQuery for efficient data querying.
Conclusion
Web3 development offers exciting possibilities for developers to create decentralized and trustless applications. By understanding the differences between Web2 and Web3 architecture, you can embark on a journey to contribute to cutting-edge blockchain technology. Explore the potential of Web3 and embrace the decentralized future of the internet.