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The internet has been progressing remarkably over the last 2 decades, back then was an era where all we could see was a static page and now we can not get over being on video calls with our long-distance friends and relatives. It started with Web1, with real-time communication peaking in web2 and the current one is the transition from web2 to web3, also referred to as the New Era of The Internet. While we transition to this new internet we will be talking a lot about decentralization, taking ownership, more privacy, and security.
Overview of Web2 and Web3
Web2 came into existence in the early 2000s, which changed the version of the internet from a view-only medium to a real-time interaction one. During this period, we saw the rise of social media platforms like Facebook, search engines like Opera Mini, and Google, and thousands of other applications revolutionizing our digital lives entirely. With the growth in the usage of these applications, privacy of data and security became a concern. Only to realize that the architecture of Web2 is based on centralized services where the big organizations own a large majority of user data or maybe entirely. All this centralization has created some very serious problems that impact users all over the world.
Privacy and security is one of the fundamental reasons for the world transitioning from web2 to web3. Web3 talks about an entirely decentralized system where only you own the data and not the big corporations. It builds transparency and trust, even if your data is all on-chain and people can see every transaction you have performed they can not access any personal data that should only be accessible to you.
Comparing Web2 and Web3
1. Centralization vs. Decentralization
Web2 follows a very centralized structure, where major companies like Google and Facebook control user data and content, often leading to issues of privacy and data misuse without the consent of the owner. This model is very dependent on the intermediaries to facilitate any kind of interaction, which can create vulnerabilities in data security whereas, Web3 operates on a decentralized architecture that distributes data across a network of nodes, providing users with direct control over their information and interactions without the need any intermediary involved. This decentralization enhances security and reduces the risk of censorship or data manipulation by central authorities.
2. Data Ownership
In the Web2 ecosystem, users have limited control over their data, as it is primarily owned and monetized by the platforms they use. This often leads to concerns about how personal information is handled and shared with other companies whereas Web3 shifts this dynamic by granting users full ownership of their data through blockchain technology. Users can manage their digital identities and assets directly, ensuring that they retain control over how their information is utilized in various applications while also maintaining transparency and trust in the network.
3. Governance Models
The governance system in Web2 is nothing but a board of directors from the terms of service to data usage policies all set by them without users having much say in it, whereas Web3 introduces Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) which are nothing but community governance models, where the community members participate in every decision-making processes with no leaders but rather moderators. This decentralized model promotes transparency and democratic participation, allowing users to have a say in the decision-making of the platforms they engage with.
4. User Interaction
The user interaction in web2 is mainly through social media platforms, where users create and consume data that is created by them in the forms of text, graphics, etc. but they do not own it, whereas web3 uses a peer-to-peer connection model that allows users to interact without any intermediary involved and they also have complete ownership of the content. This model not only ensures better interaction but also plays a vital role in maintaining the privacy of the user data.
5. Incentive model
The incentive mode in web2 is almost non-existent, the user has no benefit from interacting with the content only the ones creating content are the ones who benefit along with the platform which earns through advertising and subscription services, whereas web3 introduces a token-based economy, where users can earn tokens not just for their content creation but also participation in the network in any way. This incentive model is designed to keep it closely associated with user interests and not just in the favour of the big companies.
6. Security and Trust
We have heard various incidents of data breaches, and theft for some major companies in the space this is because web2 lies highly on centralized servers and these severs are very vulnerable to attacks and breaches, whereas web3 uses decentralized servers and also uses blockchain technology which enhances user security. every transaction is recorded on-chain which ensures transparency but since all this data is encrypted is less prone to vulnerabilities. This ensures trust among the users and thus they can interact confidently without needing to rely on third-party assurances.
Web2 Vs. Web3: Tech Stack
Web2 and Web3 utilize distinct technology stacks according to the underlying architecture and requirements to implement various features in developing applications in both these domains.
Web2 Technology Stack
- Frontend Development: It uses tech stacks like MERN or MEAN stack which includes HTML, CSS, and JavaScript frameworks like React.js or Angular for building user interfaces.
- Backend Development: It uses classic server-side languages such as PHP, Ruby, Python, or Node.js, alongside centralized databases like MySQL or MongoDB.
- Hosting: Vercel is used for deployment but if cloud services are required they use centralized cloud services like AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure.
- APIs: It utilizes RESTful APIs for communication between client and server.
Web3 Technology Stack
- Frontend Development: It also uses HTML, CSS, and JavaScript like web2 but integrates libraries like Ethers.js or Web3.js for interacting with the network.
- Smart Contracts: It uses specialized programming languages such as Solidity (for Ethereum), Move, Sway and so many more which are more optimized versions of pre-existing languages.
- Blockchain Networks: It operates on various blockchain platforms such as Ethereum, Aptos, Solana, Fuel and so on which provide the underlying infrastructure for decentralized operations.
- Storage Solutions: Unlike web2 applications dApps use decentralized storage protocols like IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) or Filecoin for data storage, ensuring data is distributed in the network yet secure rather than stored on a centralized server.
Use Cases of Web3
In the Web2 industry social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube gained a lot of attraction as they allow users to create and share content while encouraging community engagement. Not just social media but E-commerce companies like Flipkart, and Amazon provide an all-in-one centralized marketplace for buying and selling goods, utilizing traditional payment systems and data management. OTT platforms or music streaming applications have found a good user base while utilizing ads and subscription-based services.
In contrast, Web3 is utilizing decentralized applications (dApps) powered by blockchain technology. Breaking the traditional system of finance is a very good example of it where Decentralized Finance (DeFi) platforms like Uniswap, allow users to trade cryptocurrencies directly without any middlemen involved. In the field of art Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) were in huge demand and platforms like OpenSea enable artists to tokenize their work, and get incentivized for it while also providing a verifiable ownership of their art. Web3 is also focusing on decentralized identity management, giving users control over their personal information and asset management tokenizing real-world assets as well as on-chain game assets.
Building applications transitioning from Web2 to Web3
For developers looking to transition from web2 to web3, we have an extensive list of free courses for you to learn with us be it on Ethereum, Fuel, Aptos, Sui or Mantra ecosystem.
Ethereum
Metaschool’s hands-on Ethereum development courses are offered for free. These self-paced and structured courses guide you to write Smart Contracts in Solidity, build NFTs, and teach you to create your own Ethereum Token in 30 mins with expert instruction and a guided learning environment. Developers at every stage of their learning journey will benefit from Metaschool’s Ethereum blockchain track and learn to build dApps quickly.
Sui
We have 5 extensive courses that teach you how to build on Sui. Whether you are a newbie in the ecosystem or someone who has already experimented with Move on Sui we have got you covered. The five courses include:
- Learn Everything About Sui, its Concepts and Protocols
- Build on Move on Sui and Explore its Applications
- Create a Fungible Token with Sui Move
- Build a Token Dex dApp On the Sui Blockchain
- Build a Loyalty Contract with Move on Sui
Conclusion
The web3 industry is in a very nascent stage and thus it is easier for developers to transition from web2 to web3 easily. Looking at an overview of both domains it is quite evident that web3 as an industry is developing rapidly and to be able to adapt to it to take an early adopter advantage the time is now irrespective of whether you are a technical person or not. Come learn with us and build cools dApps on various blockchain network to find out the one you like the most.