What constitutes a Web3 App (dApp).

A brief guideline for what a dApp architecture looks like.

In the 2021 era of app development, many companies talk of a web3 app but are they really all web3 apps under the hood or just traditional apps with a new coating of web3 jargon slapped on. Checklist these functionalities to find out —

1. Login process

Unlike traditional apps, dApps have their account creation based on their wallet's public-private key pair or address as a unique identifier and authentication. This pair can be easily generated locally on an isolated system. All functionality of the application can be accessed by creating an account with this public-private key pair.

This ensures that no Discrimination in Joining the service can be done on any accord. One step closer to #CrypticLiberation

2. Decentralized

All app content should be stored on a world-accessible service that is cryptographically secured. Making it decentralized ensures that the system never goes down and is open to the public in a non-discriminatory fashion.

1. Database — All large files such as videos, pictures, content, etc can be stored on services decentralized like IPFS.
2. Frontend — The application data can be hosted on IPFS. It is not a crucial part of the chain. As in most dApps a user can in theory generate this after knowing the protocol
3. Backend — The complex task of making API calls can be achieved through On-Chain computation like EVM(ethereum virtual machine) or a combination with Off-chain computation (like Oracles).

3. Tokens and NFT's

Monetary and in-App purchases can be handled by the Secure tools provided by Blockchain Algorithms such as the ERC721 NFT's and ERC20 tokens. They form the financial backbone of the app.

Using these cleverly can cover the running costs and generate profit for the endeavor.

4. Protocol-Based Framework(deterministic)

It is a good idea for an App to behave more as a Protocol than an application.

This generates trust with the user base, as all the work follows a deterministic pattern. This creates stability of sorts, which can help creators get confidence in the system resulting in increased growth of the app. This is a crucial advantage, not known by many that dApps can provide over traditional Apps.

A Protocol-based architecture allows a dApp to no longer be confined to use on the world wide web but to be implemented on any network of computers. A subtle but powerful trick for an App. As many large organizations use a network of their own, choosing a protocol architecture can make those organizations easy customers.

Final Words :

Accounting for these 4 points, one can generate a truly decentralized app and make headway to the goal of decentralization. The world awaits what you can create!

Good Luck Building!