The essence of web3 is centered around the word "Decentralisation " and in my last issue, I mentioned that this very word is one I've heard a million times since I got into the web3 scene.

Decentralisation is a system where control, decision-making and power is not being held by a central authority. All contributors and users in the structure or network have control over their activities.

Through the consensus mechanism, Nodes

( computers or mobile devices) come to a unified agreement on what goes on in a given network.

Now you get the picture on decentralisation, let's talk about dApps.

What are dApps?

Simply put, dApps mean Decentralised Applications. These are applications that run on blockchain networks or decentralised peer to peer(P2P) networks. They operate autonomously without a central authority controlling them.

dApps VS The Apps

• You must be wondering what the big deal is about decentralised applications as compared to the other software applications we use every other day, and I'd bring you back to the word, Decentralisation. This literally puts the D in dApps and is the most distinct feature that separates it from regular apps. That ability for an app to run on a network operating with blockchain technology. A huge flex.

• Security: dApps operate on blockchain technology which offers protection of user data and resistance to censorship. Unlike centralised applications that are prone to hacking, censorship and data breeches. Remember how the X app goes down sometimes or Facebook accounts get hacked? Yeah, that's a centralised system problem.

• Open-source: Centralised applications often make use of close-source codes that can only be modified by owning the entity whereas dApps make use of open-source codes that enable developers modify, review and build on the code.

• Token-based: Centralised applications rely on traditional banking systems to process transactions. This involve the use of credit cards, KYC and bank applications. Meanwhile, transactions on dApps are done with tokens and cryptocurrencies from one wallet to another, with wallet addresses being the only identity required. dApps literally said, "Get your coins up!"

• Transparency: Every transaction done on a dApp is recorded on a public ledger so there are no hidden charges or operations. Centralised applications do not work that way, they are controlled by a central body that oversees all the transactions.

Use Cases of dApps

DApps serve different purposes ranging from entertainment to business and finance.

• Defi: Decentralised finance is a common use case of dApps. There are numerous decentralised applications that enable users lend, borrow, save and trade cryptocurrencies without the burden of KYC procedures. Apps such as Uniswap, Matcha, Aave, Augur, Nexus Mutual, Compound; to mention a few, provide easy transactions of cryptocurrency and other digital assets.

• Social Media: With Web3 driving the creator economy forward, social media dApps serve as a platform for users to share ideas, interact and engage with contents from all over the world. Users are also rewarded with tokens for their engagements, a classic win-win situation. An example of a decentralised dApp is BASE.

• Gaming: dApps like Decentraland provide a secure, transparent and immersive gaming experience for users. Users can create avatars and own them. Earn tokens, host events and generally have fun in a decentralised metaverse.

• Marketplace: Ownership is a key feature of web3 and acquisition of digital assets has become a global sensation. Marketplace dApps such as Opensea, enable the users to buy, trade, list and sell their digital assets in the form of NFT's (Non-fungible tokens)

As web3 gradually takes over centralised systems more ideas on areas that can be decentralised are arising. New founders and creators are tapping into this decentralised future and building applications that can run smoothly on the blockchain, are user friendly and offer the security, privacy and ownership of user data. Nothing beats a decentralised App!

If you've made it this far and you like what you just read, Thank you for coming on this journey with me, please subscribe and engage.