Decentralized Applications – dApps
Decentralized applications (dApps) are digital applications or programs that exist and run on a blockchain or P2P network of computers instead of a single computer, and are outside the purview and control of a single authority. Decentralized applications (dApps) are digital applications or programs that exist and run on a blockchain or P2P network of computers instead of a single computer, and are outside the purview and control of a single authority. For example, BitTorrent, Tor and Popcorn Time are applications that run on computers that are part of a P2P network, whereby multiple participants are consuming content, feeding or seeding content, or simultaneously performing both functions. In the context of cryptocurrencies, dApps run on a blockchain network in a public, open source, decentralized environment and are free from control and interference by any single authority. A standard web app, such as Uber or Twitter, runs on a computer system which is owned and operated by an organization, giving it full authority over the app and its workings.
What Are Decentralized Applications?
Decentralized applications (dApps) are digital applications or programs that exist and run on a blockchain or P2P network of computers instead of a single computer, and are outside the purview and control of a single authority.
Decentralized Applications Explained
A standard web app, such as Uber or Twitter, runs on a computer system which is owned and operated by an organization, giving it full authority over the app and its workings. There may be multiple users on one side, but the backend is controlled by a single organization.
DApps can run on a P2P network or a blockchain network. For example, BitTorrent, Tor and Popcorn Time are applications that run on computers that are part of a P2P network, whereby multiple participants are consuming content, feeding or seeding content, or simultaneously performing both functions.
In the context of cryptocurrencies, dApps run on a blockchain network in a public, open source, decentralized environment and are free from control and interference by any single authority.
For example, a developer can create a Twitter-like dApp and put it on a blockchain where any user can publish messages. Once posted, no one_ — including the app creators — _can delete the messages.
Related terms:
What Is a Blockchain Wallet?
A blockchain wallet is a digital wallet that enables users to manage the cryptocurrencies bitcoin and ether. read more
Blockchain : What You Need to Know
A guide to help you understand what blockchain is and how it can be used by industries. You've probably encountered a definition like this: “blockchain is a distributed, decentralized, public ledger." But blockchain is easier to understand than it sounds. read more
Blockstack
Blockstack is a blockchain-based version of the internet that allows full control of data and apps to the user. read more
Cryptocurrency : What Is Cryptocurrency?
A cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography and is difficult to counterfeit because of this security feature. read more
Ether (ETH)
Ether is the cryptocurrency of the Ethereum network. All of the programs linked with the Ethereum network require computing power; Ether is the token that is used to pay for this power. read more
Ethereum
Ethereum is a blockchain-based software platform for creating and using smart contracts and distributed apps; the cryptocurrency Ether was created for it. read more
Open Source
Open source refers to software or other projects with source code that can be viewed, modified, or upgraded by anyone. read more
Skycoin (SKY)
Skycoin operates as an ecosystem of blockchain technology that is powered by its native SKY cryptocurrency and the Obelisk consensus algorithm. read more