Decentralized Application (DApp)
A decentralized application (DApp) is a computer application that runs on a distributed computing system. It is built on a decentralized peer-to-peer network, such as a blockchain, and is not controlled by any single entity. DApps are open source, meaning anyone can view and modify the code. They are also autonomous, meaning they are not subject to any central authority or third-party interference.
History of DApps
The concept of DApps was first proposed by computer scientist and cryptographer Nick Szabo in 1998. Szabo proposed the idea of a decentralized application as a way to create a secure and trustless system for online transactions. Since then, the concept has been further developed by various developers and organizations, leading to the emergence of the first DApps in 2009.
The first DApp was Bitcoin, a decentralized digital currency. Since then, many other DApps have been created, ranging from decentralized exchanges to prediction markets. The Ethereum blockchain has been particularly influential in the development of DApps, as it provides a platform for developers to create their own applications.
Comparison Table
Traditional Applications | Decentralized Applications |
---|---|
Centralized | Decentralized |
Controlled by a single entity | Not controlled by any single entity |
Closed source | Open source |
Subject to third-party interference | Autonomous |
Summary
Decentralized applications (DApps) are computer applications that run on a distributed computing system. They are open source, meaning anyone can view and modify the code, and autonomous, meaning they are not subject to any central authority or third-party interference. The concept of DApps was first proposed by computer scientist and cryptographer Nick Szabo in 1998, and the first DApp was Bitcoin, a decentralized digital currency. For more information about DApps, visit websites such as Ethereum, Blockgeeks, and ConsenSys.
See Also
- Blockchain
- Smart Contracts
- Cryptocurrency
- Distributed Ledger Technology
- Decentralized Autonomous Organization
- Proof of Work
- Proof of Stake
- Ethereum Virtual Machine
- InterPlanetary File System
- Distributed Hash Table