Web3 and Web2 are significant parts of the modern web experience. However, these are the notions that have mixed many users, and if you’re one among them, I’ll clarify it for you. Read this post to know the contrast between Web2 and Web2 as well as what stands behind each of the technologies.
Web 2.0 As a Social Media Age
Everything starts with Web 1.0, which is defined as the static era of information consumption. It was an information network of documents bound up by hyperlinks, and it was great. Until humans understood they could do more. And Web 2 emerged.
Web 2.0 came to light as a new level of “user-web” interaction, which we experience now. As contrasted with passive websites that just display information to readers, this trend took users to the innovative methods of interactivity. More and more people started participating through platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. It led to centralized tech giants (e.g., Google, Facebook) that take control of the information and money on the net.
Unlike the era of Web 1.0, Web 2.0 provides users more flexibility in terms of network experience. They can generate and run through any kind of content without restraints yet reasonably. However, it results in limited personal data and usage information management. This centralized approach to information control has driven the advent of Web 3.0. This technology aims to submit more data control to users rather than relying on the third-party entities
Web 3.0 As a Next Gen of the Internet
Web 3.0 performs on the principles of blockchain and stands for decentralized but secure Internet. That means individuals can exchange money and information without getting the approval of each participant involved (e.g., financial establishments or tech enterprises). As a result, creators can master not only the nature of the content they consume/produce but also the applications’ infrastructures that are used for this purpose. Furthermore, blockchain technology ensures complete data integrity and tamper-free transactions and lays the ground for high-level security. E-chat, Sove, Brave, and Sila are prominent use cases of Web 3 development.
Now, let’s take a look at the essential characteristics of Web3 to get a broader understanding of this phenomenon.
Reliability
Web3 satisfies the demand of single clients or is applied by more than one user. Creators can make information (as well as infrastructure or apps) accessible to the public or deploy them privately (in this case, all the data will be kept in nodes).
Availability
All and sundry can enter the niche and take advantage of this forthcoming technology trend.
Extensiveness
There are no access restrictions. The Internet is available round the clock, and a bunch of communication channels and tools are at users’ disposal.
Openness
It’s an open-source project designed by a group of independent IT experts and carried out in front of the entire world.
Web 2.0 vs. Web 3.0
Web 2 is like an amusement park, doing the net more dynamic and interactive. Web 3 is going to transform the current web, making it more intelligent and shared. So what actually distinguishes these two modern web worlds? Below, I’ll highlight the main contrasts between Web 2.0 and Web 3.0. depending on the different variables.
Ownership
Web 2.0 implies that all the data is saved in the particular corporation’s centralized form of information centers. What does it mean? For example, you produce and share educational content on YouTube, engage the audience, and generate money. In Web 2 reality, you’re an author of videos, but it becomes its property once you download it on the video platform. Thus, Youtube takes ownership of your data and can sell it to 3rd parties.
Web 3.0 performs in an absolutely different way. It involves blockchain technology, cloud computing, peer-to-peer connection, and distributed databases. Web3 allows for content authorship by creators while offering flexibility for distributing it throughout the web. As a result, entrepreneurs can keep their sensitive data back and create more protected digital assets based on decentralization rules.
Technologies
Technology background is another differentiating factor. Web 2.0 initiated the advancement of a row of modern technologies for app development: AJAX, JavaScript, CSS, and HTML5. In turn, the web development stack for creating decentralized projects, like Web3, deals with more advanced technologies, such as blockchain (e.g., Ethereum, Founder), AI, machine learning, API (e.g., Graph), GunDB or ThreadDB (for file storage), Web3 js. (for client-side), and much more.
Censorship
In the Web 2.0 universe, hosting companies take the full reins of web resources provided. For instance, they block access to “black” users if they’re unsure of their credibility. On the other hand, Web3 (operating on the blockchain backbone) offers unlimited access to the network, eliminating censorship. As a result, people are allowed to produce novel digital resources and be responsible for making critical decisions with data operations, regardless of their characteristics (e.g., nationality, income, place of residence, etc.).
Focusing
Another essential factor for distinguishing Web 2 and Web 3 is associated with the focus area. Web2 concept is designed to allow for “user-content” interaction throughout the Internet. Web3 aims to transform users into active content creators on private property rights. Web 2.0 is about social network development, while Web 3.0 is like an educational space, aiming to connect expertise. Web 2 focuses on customer experience. It’s especially advantageous for businesses that adjust individualized advertisements thanks to unlimited access to their client’s data via social media. The idea of Web 3.0 reflects the desire to empower individuals through confidentiality preservation, data security, and digital property control.
Wrapping Up
So far, we’ve known three versions of the internet – Web1, Web2, and evolving Web3. Each stage has brought a new experience to users, pushing them to its final goal – interaction and information sharing. Web 3.0 internet generation is still at its early stage, but it has the potential to alter the web experience by providing advanced opportunities to users.
Author’s bio:
Yuliya Melnik is a technical writer at Cleveroad. It is a web and mobile app development company in Ukraine. She is passionate about innovative technologies that make the world a better place and loves creating content that evokes vivid emotions.