Comparing Web2 and Web3: How Their Architectures Differ
- rachelbeautybar
- Aug 2
- 3 min read
With the rise of blockchain technology, the internet is undergoing a massive transformation. Web2 gave us social media, interactive applications, and user-generated content, while Web3 is paving the way for decentralized, blockchain-powered platforms. But when it comes to architecture, Web2 vs Web3 shows fundamental differences in how these systems are built and how they operate.
This guide breaks down the core structures of Web2 and Web3, explaining their components and why Web3 is considered the future of the internet.
The Architecture of Web2
Web2 is the version of the internet most people use today. It powers social networks, content-sharing platforms, and web applications like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Medium.
A typical Web2 application consists of:
Database: Stores user data such as accounts, posts, likes, and comments.
Back-End Code: Written in languages like Node.js, Python, Java, or Go. It defines the business logic and handles requests from the front-end.
Front-End Code: Built with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create the user interface and enable interactions.
For example, when a user tweets on Twitter, they interact with the front-end. The front-end sends the request to the back-end, which processes the logic and updates the centralized database.
The Architecture of Web3
Web3 fundamentally changes how applications are built by removing centralized servers and introducing blockchain as the backbone. Instead of a single database and back-end server, Web3 relies on:
Blockchain: A distributed network that stores data and enforces rules without a central authority.
Smart Contracts: Code deployed on the blockchain that defines application logic and executes automatically.
Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM): Runs smart contract code and ensures consistent execution across all nodes.
Front-End: Similar to Web2, but connects directly to smart contracts via libraries like Web3.js or Ethers.js instead of a centralized back-end.
In Web3, users maintain full control over their data and interact directly with decentralized applications (dApps) using crypto wallets. Instead of logging in through a centralized server, authentication and ownership are handled via private keys.
Key Differences: Web2 vs Web3
1. Data Ownership and Control
Web2: Centralized companies own and control user data.
Web3: Users own their data via blockchain and private keys.
2. Infrastructure
Web2: Built on client-server models with centralized databases.
Web3: Built on decentralized blockchain networks and peer-to-peer nodes.
3. Application Logic
Web2: Back-end servers handle all logic and communicate with databases.
Web3: Smart contracts handle logic, eliminating intermediaries.
4. User Interaction
Web2: Users authenticate through usernames and passwords stored on servers.
Web3: Authentication is done through wallets and cryptographic signatures.
5. Transparency and Security
Web2: Data can be altered or censored by central authorities.
Web3: Blockchain ensures immutability and transparency, preventing tampering.
The Role of Wallets in Web3
Crypto wallets are the gateway to Web3. They store private keys and sign transactions, allowing users to interact securely with dApps.
For example, MetaMask enables users to sign and send transactions while also serving as a provider connected to Ethereum nodes. This eliminates the need for traditional login systems and puts control back in the hands of users.
Off-Chain Storage and Scalability
While blockchains provide security and decentralization, storing all data on-chain is expensive. Web3 apps often use decentralized off-chain storage solutions like IPFS or Arweave to store large files while keeping references on-chain.
To address scalability, Layer 2 solutions like Polygon, Optimistic Rollups, and zkRollups are used to process transactions off-chain and batch them back to the main chain, reducing costs and improving speed.
Conclusion
When comparing Web2 vs Web3, the biggest difference lies in decentralization and user control. Web2 relies on centralized servers and corporations, while Web3 uses blockchain to create a trustless, user-owned internet.
As scalability and user experience improve, Web3 has the potential to reshape how we build and interact with online applications, putting power back into the hands of users and communities.
Register by the links below to get cashback fees up to 70%:
Comments