DApps with decentralized, open source, peer-to-peer network features are going to replace Apps in the next few years.
Today, the majority of us use smartphones that have mobile applications. Without mobile apps, smartphones are of no use. However, these mobile applications have a centralized approach and this is going to change as soon as DApps (Decentralized applications) come into picture, as they have a decentralized approach.
Let me explain to you how DApps are far better than Apps in this article with more detail.
Today mobile applications are very popular and there are various platforms where you can download these applications depending on your mobile operating system, that includes Google's Android, Apple's iStore, others.
These mobile applications are controlled by a central server that decides all the aspects of the application, its reach and what you see and consume on their application. These applications can be controlled and be hacked, as they are hosted on a central server.
However, DApps are not controlled by any single authority, they are stored on the blockchain. They cannot be hacked by anyone.
You have seen recently how Facebook, Whatsapp and Instagram were down for a few hours, but DApps cannot be down, nor have we heard anything about DApps being hacked till now.
What are DApps?
Decentralized applications (Dapps) are digital applications that run on a decentralized or peer-to-peer (P2P) network of computers instead of a single computer, and not controlled by a single authority.
Ethereum was the first to build smart contracts on its blockchain making DApps possible for everyone.
What are Apps?
Web applications, or web apps, are centralized software programs that are stored on remote servers controlled by a host, better known as the cloud. It runs on closed programs and no one can use it.
For example, Gmail is an email web application that you can access on any web browser on any device. All the emails you send and receive are stored on Google’s servers, centrally.
Benefits of DApps compared to Apps
DApps are decentralised, peer-to-peer-validated, blockchain-based applications that make them scalable, whereas Apps are stored on servers, hence prone to a single point of failure. This means they can be hacked and tampered with.
DApps are open-source applications. Developers can make changes and bring value to the app for everyone’s benefit, whereas Apps only store value, they do not allow the creation of value, like cryptocurrencies.
DApps don't and cannot completely die from any technical errors. They remain available all the time because of their peer-to-peer network, while Apps can crash and completely die from any technical failure.
Blockchain, proof-of-work, proof-of-stake and smart contracts help make the DApps trustworthy, reliable and impossible to hack. There is no central authority or a third party that controls the app, making it faster and safer. On the other hand, Apps require third-party involvement and are highly time-consuming. Also, information exchanged with outside parties is not encrypted so it can be tampered with.
DApps exist on the blockchain, which means the source code and all of their data are spread across a series of nodes, or computers, that work to verify every transaction made on the application. In terms of code, this means every app function needs to involve a rigorous verification process, in which the data is sent to each of the separate nodes, so they can make sure the terms of the agreement are valid.
But, Apps store users' data on a separate server usually located at the company’s headquarters. This is controlled by a single entity and can be misused for its own interest.
The new technology is slowly taking over the world as it attracts more and more users. As the concept of blockchain and decentralization grows, web applications are now less preferred. DApps are adopted as they eliminate the need for third parties. Not only do they offer reduced costs for users, but also security.
Other than cryptocurrency, many financial and other industries are showing interest in developing their own DApps. In the coming months, we will see DApps being customized by any individuals or businesses’ requirements, just like web apps are today.
Kleverly choose your DApps!
Jagdish Kumar
Klever Writer