Basic understanding of Decentralized Applications (Dapps)

Decentralized application Dapps in short. Dapps are digital application that runs on blockchain based smart contract network. They are similar to the normal apps we use to but the only different is Dapps runs by using peer-to-peer network, example of peer-to-peer network is blockchain. This means Dapps is not controlled by anyone.

Image Source

Dapps was as a result of proposing a new way to run application, which is totally decentralised. This was achieved through the introduction of Ethereum blockchain in 2013. It was a success and the first Dapp release was called “The General Theory of Decentralized Application” back in 2014.

Dapps are categorize into 3 and there are:

-Game dapps which include Win NFT Horse, Chainz Arena, Blockloads, Tronman and many more.

-Exchange dapps and they are JustLend, TronTrade, Tronlending and SunSwap and others.

-We have OTHER section which include dapps such as BTTC, Sun, Just, Tronscan and many more.

NOTE: All pictures was taken from my TronLink Pro wallet.

Dapps working principle

In order to understanding the working principle of Dapps we have to compare it with the centralisedzed application we have. The normal web application works based on two crucial element which are the front end and of cause the back end which transmit information back and forth through HTTP protocol. This is built on a single centralised architecture, so if it been attacks, the application goes down.

Image Source

Dapps on the other hand, these two element which are the back and front ends, these two will remain the same only if the back end is formatted on the blockchain than the feeding data will end, because it can only send message when the nodes agreed to a single algorithm. So in case they is an attack, destroying the blockchain back end will be hard because of the way it is distribute which is spread around the world.

The difference between Dapps and normal application

The major difference between Dapps and our traditional application are explained below:

-Financial Models:
Dapps use a different models when it comes to finance if compared to other application. Because dapps is decentralised it does not depend on external authority before handing it monetary affairs. Rather, it secure it value in himself, which allow the creators to be able to offer currencies as form of payment. This create a phenomenon where you get paid when you invest in the application.

-Security:
The fact that Dapps runs on a decentralised network (blockchain), has eliminated any security vulnerabilities. Unlike other application whose run on a centralised network, where it can be vulnerable to hackers attach. This has created trust issues between users who has sensitive information on their various applications. Dapps on the other hand, has given us the chance to be in total control of how we trade our currency and also buy or sell our goods.

-Speed:
When you compare the speed of tradition apps to that of dapps, dapps are slow which can only run around 15 transaction each second. With dapps been wildly accepted I am sure with development that is going on the speed will surely be increased very soon.

Image Source

Advantages and Disadvantages of Dapps

Some of the advantages of Dapps:

-The main advantages Dapps has over normal application is it association with the blockchain network. This makes it difficult for anyone or even government to limit any users form accessing their various account on Dapp.

-Dapps uses a peer-to-peer network which is linked to different computer over the world. A single point of failure will not cause the servers to be down unlike other application who uses centralisedzed network.

-Dapps offers sources which can be used by anyone. This motivate quicker and safer development of the ecosystem (Transparency).

Disadvantages of Dapps

Combining crypto and ethereum ecosystem, Dapps are still in its infancy stages and these poses some challenges. Some of these challenges are explained below:

-Many Dapps are run on an open sources smart contracts, which gives room for Dapps to be likely hacked. Hacker are smart and can locate once formidable areas. So for this reason it advisable to keep your valuable assert in a secure and controlled wallet.

-As said early, Dapp is still a new concept and it been developed everyday with the advance in technology, new ideas are been developed. These make dapps look a bit complex. This means many dapps are difficult to access for new user.

-As most Dapps are still been improved. Some face low user number, and this can make it obsolete. So for Dapp to stay relevant, its developers has to keep improving based on user request or complains.

CONCLUSION

In my opinion I think decentralised and centralised applications are neither good nor bad. I think the choice depend on the users. It depends on how much control you want over your app if you prefer total control than dapps are the right option and if it just little control than centralised app are good for you.

Cc. @nane15 @pelon53

Thank you all for reading. Stay safe.
NOTE: 10% Author reward goes to the community account.