How Are DApps Different From Common Mobile Apps?
Does the concept of DApps sound strange to you, and you wonder how they differ from the common mobile apps? In my previous article, where I unraveled how to transition from web2 to web3 developer, I mentioned: “Learn about DApps.”, I don’t have doubts, that leaves you to much wonder. However, you just arrived at the right spot to clear your confusion.
While everyone has been concerned with how cryptocurrencies make instant millionaires, the most exciting aspect of this new technology, the blockchain, has mostly gone unnoticed. Blockchain not only runs the cryptocurrencies, but its possibilities go far beyond the use of digital currency and include a variety of technologies.
Innovations are continuously being added to the mix as they spread throughout the globe to increase efficiency and convenience for both individuals and companies. Meanwhile, the introduction of decentralized applications, or DApps, is one of these new technologies. DApps are one of the things powered by blockchain.
DApps have the potential to significantly alter the way we work, communicate, solve problems, and much more. As a result, DApps could transform the web. In this article, I will demystify what DApps are in particular, why they are needed, and how they differ from regular mobile apps.
So, let’s dive in!
What are DApps?
DApps, in full -Decentralized applications, are digital applications that run on decentralized networks. They operate on a peer-to-peer (P2P) network of computers rather than a single computer, and the fact that they are decentralized cancels many of the drawbacks of centralized apps. A DApp links a smart contract with the frontend (UI) user interface.
DApps are now even more ubiquitous in the blockchain realm as smart contracts become more common, and the blockchain networks that support them have significantly changed into actual ecosystems.
DApps, frequently created on the Ethereum platform, can be channeled into purposes including gaming, finance, social media, etc. It means DApps are not centrally controlled, hence the benefits of transparency and the lack of third-party authorities. Decentralized apps are hosted on peer-to-peer networks like Ethereum, Loom, or Waves.
Why Are DApps Needed?
1. User Privacy
DApps offer a variety of advantages, including privacy. Opposing what the common mobile apps require, you do not need to reveal personal information to interact on DApp. Since data saved on blockchains cannot be altered, your data is secure on a DApp. Users do not have to provide personal credentials to engage in the services offered by DApp. Hence, smart contracts are used by DApps to carry out transactions between two anonymous individuals without the need for a centralized authority.
2. Censorship-Proof
A decentralized social media site is immune to censorship, and no blockchain user can delete or prevent messages from being sent. Relatively, DApps are decentralized, and operations are not regulated by one single entity. Free speech advocates point out that DApps can be created as substitute social media platforms.
3. Open source
DApps are open-source, showing that the code can be freely shared among the developers. In contrast, most centralized apps are commercial projects that don’t allow code sharing. But since all DApp codes are designed to be open source, anyone who wants to independently confirm the developers’ claims could easily access it through the open source code. Therefore, DApps operate in an open-source environment and are not subject to centralized control or interference.
4. Secured Data
Information registered on the blockchain can neither be edited nor deleted completely. This goes to say that DApps are more resistant to modifications or interference.
How are DApps Different from Common Mobile Apps?
1. Centralization
The primary distinction between DApps and regular apps is that DApps run their backend code on a decentralized, peer-to-peer blockchain network. In contrast, common apps run on either a centralized server or multiple servers. A decentralized app runs on a blockchain network, making it possible for users to relate with each other without the regulation of a single authority.
A dApp’s user has to pay the developer some cryptocurrencies to access and use the system’s source code. The source code, a smart contract, enables users to carry out transactions without disclosing personal information.
2. Smart Contracts/API to Database
A DApp is almost similar to a common mobile application. Their front end employs just the same technology to display the website. But the particular difference is that rather than an API linked to a Database, you have a Smart Contract linked to a blockchain.
3. Security
Apps built on the blockchain are more secure than other mobile apps in terms of security. These programs are decentralized, making them tamper-proof and the data they save unchangeable. Security is of the utmost importance in DApps. Since decentralized apps, in essence, have a public backend, any suspicious activity could be closely watched and controlled.
4. Cost of Use
As we all know, most regular apps are free; thus, users do not need to spend anything to access them. However, with DApps, users are required to pay over a tiny charge each time they use a decentralized application. This fee is to appreciate the owners of various nodes which constitute a network.
5. Cost of Development
For the common mobile apps, the price of cloud server fees, maintenance costs, and other expenses must be considered. However, since DApp costs already include development, deployment, and even upgrade, blockchain developers do not need to be concerned about these issues in the case of DApps.
6. Speed of Transaction
DApps are relatively slow when compared to the speed of regular programs. Blockchain developers revealed that these apps could only execute 15 transactions per second. But despite this, the fact that the dApp sector is booming with no signs of slowing down is reasonable to believe that it will be able to scale up thousands of transactions in the years to come. The developers of Ethereum are currently working to solve the issue and implement some significant upgrades soon.
Major Concern for DApps
Decentralized applications, DApps, and the technology that powers them are appreciated by many developers and advocates, but it still costs a lot to create these applications. Today, the DApps market is a multimillion-dollar industry, but they still have unfavorable user interfaces and are much underutilized. Although DApps as a multi-million dollar industry seem substantial, there may not be any great improvements if the issue of user experience and interface are not looked into.
The issue of slow transaction speed is also a significant concern for DApps. They occasionally take a long time to load, and processing payments can be time-consuming. However, given that DApps are still a new technology, it is not at all strange that these concerns are emerging. Hopefully, these uncertainties will soon be tackled by blockchain engineers.
Take a look at some popular DApps and Common Mobile Apps:
- Ethereum DApps include Uniswap, Opensea, 0x Protocol, Peepeth
- Common mobile apps include Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin, and Netflix.
Conclusion
Decentralization apps are expected to expand steadily with time. They are also predicted to solve issues of privacy and transparency, which were almost impossible for the common mobile apps. Dapps have established invaluable technology and paved the way for even more expansion and improvement. As more investors enter the market to benefit from the platforms’ efficiency, it is anticipated that DApps will become more popular in the future.
And to this end, permit me to chip in; “blockchain is here to stay.”
Originally published at https://gloriaokeke.hashnode.dev.
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