The expansion and restructuring of the web are necessary to enable digital transformation and broaden access to online technologies for users. We got text-based, static webpages for user information with Web 1.0, which did not put much emphasis on user-based input. As a result, many people refer to this online version as the "read-only" web.
The present internet infrastructure, known as Web 2.0, was created as the subsequent version of the web. It has the potential to be open source, simple to use, and compatible with many applications, platforms, and services. Web 2.0 encompasses the latest iteration of the web together with web apps and social media.
Web3, the third generation of the web that has completely changed the way people interact with the internet, is almost here. The internet is evolving into this next version. Nonetheless, the core concept of web 3 remains unclear to many. Businesses are also exploring web3's practical uses in an effort to tap on the technology's revolutionary potential. We will discuss web3's use cases and applications in the section that follows.
What is Web3?
Following Web 2's (user-generated, dynamic content) and Web 1's (static, HTML-based websites), the "next-iteration" of the internet is known as Web3. Web3 is still in its early stages of development, therefore the idea is subject to change. Furthermore, the difference between web 3.0 and web 3.3.1 is often misunderstood. Thus, let us swiftly discuss these two concepts.
Web 3.0- The semantic web
"Semantic" refers to the study of separate language and logic, and the phrase "Web 3.0" describes semantic webs. The third generation of the World Wide Web is all about computers reading and processing data automatically, without any human intervention. The World Wide Web was supposedly created by Tim Berners.
Web3- The decentralized web
An attempt to dismantle the centralised web that allows giants like Google, Facebook, and Twitter to collect and access user data was proposed by Ethereum co-founder Gavin Wood. The principles and technology behind Web3, such as decentralised storage systems, self-sovereign identity, and blockchain, are transforming the way data is owned and giving consumers more power.
Architecture of Web3
Web3, short for "the decentralised web," is an architecture for the serverless internet that seeks to give users agency and data access rather than a governing authority. Five basic levels, numbered 0 through 4, make up Web3's architecture. We may now begin to peel back these layers.
Layer 0
- Peer-to-peer network protocols such as Libp2p and Devp2p·
- Platform-neutral programming languages such as UTXO, EVM, and WASM
Layer 1
- Decentralised protocols for data distribution and storage.
- Examples include IPFS, Bluzelle, Fluence, and Swarm.
- Reliable web3 communication systems.
- For instance, Polkadot.
- Interaction protocols based on trust.
- For instance, the parachains of Ethereum, Bitcoin, Zcash, and Polkadot.
- Decentralised systems for data messaging.
- For instance, Whisper and Matrix.
Layer 2
- Layer-2 protocols
- The Lightning Network for Bitcoin and the Plasma Network for Ethereum are two examples.
Layer 3
- Languages and APIs for developers
- For instance, Web3.js, ether.js, oo7.js, Solidity, and Rust
Layer 4
- Interface Frameworks for Users
- Status, Metamask, MyCrypto, and Parity are other examples.
Which are Web3's primary features?
Web3, propelled by state-of-the-art technology such as blockchain, AR/VR, ML/AI, and machine learning, is an innovator prepared for the future. Despite its many benefits over Web2, Web3 also has the following features that might alter the current state of the web right now.
"Decentralised Web3" stands for a blockchain-powered decentralised ecosystem. Applications and solutions inside the web3 ecosystem are truly decentralised, boasting features like as improved security, functionality, lack of censorship, and data authenticity.
Web semantics
"Semantic web" refers to web3's ability to make content on the internet machine-readable. Another goal of semantic web theory is to make cross-chain data interchange between different organizations and applications easier. In this way, the semantic web effortlessly distributes user data, relevant information, and content.
Capabilities of the metaverse
The web3 ecosystem supports graphical user interfaces and hyper-realistic 3D environments, allowing your Web 3.0 project to offer a more vibrant and natural navigating user experience. We use Web 3.0's metaverse and 3D capabilities to construct immersive games, e-commerce sites, and NFT markets based on enterprise needs.
dependable data handling
Distributed peer-to-peer networks and blockchain are two of the powerful technologies that form the basis of Web3, an alternative data management architecture. To fit in with the web3 ecosystem's distributed, open, and transparent features, businesses need to change their approach to data management and processing.
Interaction
The disconnection is one of the main issues with Web 2. Users enjoy unparalleled data connectivity with Web3, powered by semantic metadata technology. The data is accessible, and users can link to numerous data sources simultaneously. By incorporating state-of-the-art IoT sensor-based devices, web3 aims to remove the restriction on internet access to cellphones and PCs, making the internet highly accessible to everyone.
Which use cases for Web3 are there now and in the future?
Metaspaces and the metaverse
Combining the real and virtual worlds is the aim of the Metaverse virtual reality experience. While both centralized and decentralized metaverse projects exist, web2-based decentralized initiatives are more suited to meet future demands. Metaverse projects can improve the decentralized experience for users by leveraging the web3 ecosystem and its connecting features. Web3 uses technologies like AI and the Internet of Things to make the metaverse more realistic.
Forthcoming dApps
Decentralized apps, which aren't part of any one organization's ownership or management structure, leverage blockchain technology. More complex development in terms of usability and functionality is made possible by Web3. Among the third generation of decentralized applications (dApps), you can find DeFi, NFT, gaming, and metaverse options. dApps developed for web3 projects are truly decentralized and capable of interacting with one another. But decentralized applications (dApps) for the blockchain ecosystem don't necessarily need to be compatible unless the project demands it.
Dispersed financial services
Web3 characteristics are utilized by DeFi, one of the main uses of web3, to improve its existing infrastructure and associated functionalities. By integrating the technology with the open and comprehensive web3 ecosystem, businesses may develop and deploy state-of-the-art DeFi systems and applications. Web3 offers many benefits to DeFi, including more openness and automated governance, better transaction processing, lower transaction fees, and access to an open source ecosystem.
Superior Gaming
Web3 games have developed from blockchain-based games such as play-to-own, NFT, and play-to-earn. These web3 games help shape the future of gaming by paving the way for monetization systems that let players buy, sell, and create virtual goods. Blockchain, NFTs, and the gaming infrastructure itself are all utilized in these games. Axie Infinity and Decentraland are two Web3 games that have attracted a large number of players. Web3 gaming will also be profoundly affected by the evolution of the web3 ecosystem.
Privacy and Data Processing
Blockchain is maybe the most famous technology that could decentralize the future. Concurrently, consumers may express privacy concerns when "complete transparency" is mentioned. According to Web3, blockchain technology has the potential to enhance privacy in decentralized digital infrastructures by utilizing state-of-the-art concepts such as cryptography and zero-knowledge proof to impose complete secrecy.
Social networks
With the advent of Web3, a new wave of social media platforms emerged, with user-generated content (UGC) ownership as its fundamental objective and an emphasis on the creator-driven economy. Similar to how Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat now ask users to give some third parties access to their data, the upcoming Web3 social media apps will do the same. One notable change is that web3 apps now enable users see their private keys and wallet addresses anonymously.
Online Real Estate
There has been a sea change in the real estate industry since the advent of NFTs, blockchain, and the metaverse. Numerous "modern" web3 real estate initiatives have been created to facilitate the transfer of NFT-based real estate properties and the verification of ownership through the use of virtual reality, 3D technology, and NFTs. The advent of web3 has greatly improved the accessibility and scalability of real estate. There is also a record of the deal in the immutable and publicly accessible blockchain.
remote offices
With the help of web3 technology, businesses are able to build 3D realistic workplaces that replace their actual offices. In these virtual spaces, employees may use avatars to do tasks, communicate with coworkers, and even have fun, just like in the real thing. This is because advanced metaverse applications can be developed on web3.
Upcoming NFT use cases
Notional tokens (NFTs) are an essential part of the blockchain. In the web3 ecosystem, NFTs have various uses, including digital ownership, viewer rewards, and immutable data storage on the blockchain. But there are alternative ways that organizations are raising money. One is by tokenizing their businesses. Another is by offering blockchain exclusivity and ownership. A third is by starting a DAO community, which is an online community where members control each other.
Real-world Web3 applications: Well-known initiatives
Polkadot, a blockchain application
Polkadot is an initiative on the decentralized web3 blockchain that aims to make the multichain vision a reality for the decentralized web. Features like as parachains, parathreads, user-driven governance, and outstanding energy efficiency set Polkadot apart from other third-generation advanced blockchains. Polkadot provides an environment that facilitates the development of state-of-the-art decentralized apps (dApps) and solutions capable of efficiently managing a wide range of web3 applications.
Axie Infinity, a gaming app
Axie Infinity is a state-of-the-art web3 gaming platform that features a play-to-earn model. Players can engage in gameplay, acquire in-game assets (such as skins, cars, firearms, etc.) and collectibles using NFTs. In order to gain access to the Axie Infinity platform, users are required to complete a number of actions, such as connecting their wallet and adding funds to their account.
Uniswap DeFi application
Uniswap is a web3 decentralized financial exchange platform that uses a decentralized network protocol to provide users full ownership instead of relying on a single provider. An open and public financial marketplace is where liquidity suppliers, traders, and developers all work together.
Conclusion
Web3, a concept for the future, has not yet matured and is still in its early stages. The widespread adoption of web3 use cases is indicative of the urgency with which many industries are updating their internal systems and moving toward web3 architecture. Among the many web3 applications, DAOs and the metaverse stand out as two that are helping enterprises reach their maximum potential. As time goes on and technology improves, new web3 use cases will appear to fix existing business inefficiencies.
FAQs
What is Web 3.0 and how does it differ from previous versions?
Web 3.0 represents the next evolution of the internet, characterized by decentralized technologies and improved user experiences. It differs from Web 2.0 by emphasizing decentralized protocols, blockchain, and advanced artificial intelligence for more secure, transparent, and user-centric applications
What are the key applications of Web 3.0?
Web 3.0 applications span various industries, including decentralized finance (DeFi), decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and enhanced artificial intelligence. These applications aim to create a more open, collaborative, and secure online environment.
How does Web 3.0 address privacy and security concerns?
Web 3.0 incorporates decentralized and cryptographic technologies to enhance privacy and security. By minimizing reliance on central authorities, implementing blockchain for secure transactions, and utilizing cryptographic techniques, Web 3.0 strives to provide users with greater control over their data and digital identities.
What role does blockchain play in Web 3.0?
Blockchain is a fundamental technology in Web 3.0, providing the basis for decentralized and trustless systems. It ensures transparency, immutability, and security in transactions. Smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code, are a notable example of blockchain's role in Web 3.0.
How will Web 3.0 impact traditional industries and business models?
Web 3.0 has the potential to disrupt traditional industries by introducing more efficient, transparent, and inclusive systems. Businesses may need to adapt to decentralized models, explore blockchain integration, and consider new revenue streams such as NFTs. Understanding and embracing Web 3.0 technologies can be crucial for staying competitive in the evolving digital landscape.
