Web3 Basics

Understanding the next evolution of the internet

The Evolution of the Web

Web3 represents the next generation of the internet, built on blockchain technology and focused on decentralization, user ownership, and trustless interactions.

Web1
Read-only
Web2
Read-write
Web3
Read-write-own

What is Web3?

Web3 is the third generation of the internet, characterized by decentralization, blockchain technology, and user ownership of data and digital assets. It represents a fundamental shift from centralized platforms to distributed networks.

Key Characteristics

  • • Decentralized infrastructure
  • • User ownership of data
  • • Trustless interactions
  • • Programmable money
  • • Censorship resistance

Core Technologies

  • • Blockchain networks
  • • Smart contracts
  • • Cryptocurrencies
  • • Decentralized storage
  • • Zero-knowledge proofs

The Evolution of the Web

Web1 (1990s - 2000s)

The first version of the web was primarily static and read-only. Users could browse websites and consume content, but interaction was limited.

  • • Static HTML pages
  • • Limited user interaction
  • • Centralized content creation
  • • Basic e-commerce

Web2 (2000s - Present)

The social web enabled user-generated content, social media, and interactive applications. However, data and value are controlled by centralized platforms.

  • • Social media platforms
  • • User-generated content
  • • Centralized data ownership
  • • Platform monetization

Web3 (Emerging)

The decentralized web gives users ownership of their data and digital assets through blockchain technology and decentralized applications (dApps).

  • • Decentralized applications
  • • User-owned data
  • • Cryptocurrency integration
  • • Trustless interactions

Blockchain Technology

Blockchain is the foundational technology that powers Web3. It's a distributed ledger that records transactions across a network of computers in a secure, transparent, and immutable way.

How Blockchain Works

1
Transaction Creation

A transaction is created and broadcast to the network

2
Validation

Network nodes validate the transaction

3
Block Creation

Valid transactions are grouped into blocks

4
Chain Addition

Blocks are added to the chain permanently

Key Features

Decentralization

No single point of control or failure

Immutability

Data cannot be altered once recorded

Transparency

All transactions are publicly visible

Security

Cryptographic protection against tampering

Smart Contracts

Smart contracts are self-executing programs that run on the blockchain. They automatically execute when predetermined conditions are met, enabling trustless and automated transactions.

Example: NFT Marketplace Smart Contract

contract NFTMarketplace {
    function listNFT(uint256 tokenId, uint256 price) public {
        require(ownerOf(tokenId) == msg.sender, "Not owner");
        listings[tokenId] = price;
        emit NFTListed(tokenId, price);
    }
    
    function buyNFT(uint256 tokenId) public payable {
        require(listings[tokenId] > 0, "Not for sale");
        require(msg.value >= listings[tokenId], "Insufficient payment");
        
        address seller = ownerOf(tokenId);
        _transfer(seller, msg.sender, tokenId);
        seller.transfer(msg.value);
        
        delete listings[tokenId];
        emit NFTSold(tokenId, msg.sender, msg.value);
    }
}
Automated

Execute automatically when conditions are met

Trustless

No need to trust intermediaries

Programmable

Can implement complex business logic

Web3 Applications

Web3 applications (dApps) are decentralized applications that run on blockchain networks. They provide the same functionality as traditional apps but with added benefits of decentralization.

DeFi (Decentralized Finance)

Financial services built on blockchain technology, including lending, borrowing, trading, and yield farming.

  • • Uniswap - Decentralized exchange
  • • Aave - Lending platform
  • • Compound - Interest-earning

NFT Marketplaces

Platforms for buying, selling, and trading non-fungible tokens and digital collectibles.

  • • OpenSea - Largest NFT marketplace
  • • Rarible - Community-owned
  • • Foundation - Curated art

DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations)

Community-governed organizations that operate through smart contracts and token voting.

  • • MakerDAO - Stablecoin governance
  • • Uniswap DAO - Protocol governance
  • • ConstitutionDAO - Community funding

Gaming & Metaverse

Blockchain-based games and virtual worlds where players own their in-game assets.

  • • Axie Infinity - Play-to-earn game
  • • Decentraland - Virtual world
  • • The Sandbox - Gaming platform

Key Terms

dApp
Decentralized application running on blockchain
DeFi
Decentralized finance applications
DAO
Decentralized Autonomous Organization
Gas
Fee paid for blockchain transactions
Consensus
Agreement mechanism for blockchain validation