DApp’s definition is literally “decentralized applications”. Very narrowly speaking, these are apps that do not depend on central servers. But a step back is necessary before explaining its advantages and disadvantages.
Apps vs. dApps
Classic apps like Facebook or Netflix depend on a central system that is owned and operated by an organization. This dispose of the data and the “behavior” of users based on their policies. Apps and dApps are both composed of front end, back end and archive. But they differ in how these three elements are used by the users. The substantial difference lies in the fact that in the case of traditional apps, the IT interface is managed by a central organization.
Conversely, the dApp’s definition indicates that they are managed on a blockchain network or on a P2P network in an open-source context. Therefore decentralized by control and management of single authority.
The backend in this case depends on a smart contract that runs on a blockchain, such as Ethereum. It is the smart contract that guarantees the functioning of the dApp. In fact, a dApp allows users to transact directly with each other without a central authority. The user will have to pay an amount of cryptocurrency to the developer for the source code of the program. The source code is known as a smart contract and allows to complete transactions without revealing any personal information. Since smart contracts are visible and public, this ensures a high level of transparency and security. DApp will do nothing other than what it specifies within the smart contract.
Finally, in common with apps, there are the reasons why they are developed, which are the most varied from entertainment to social media.
Pros and cons of dApps
DApps have the indisputable advantage of safeguarding user privacy. Furthermore, there is no authority that controls the contents and development of the same.
The safeguarding of user privacy in an era of scandals and buying and selling of the same is truly disruptive. According to the dApp’s definition, in order to use it, users are not required to communicate any personal data. Dapps use intelligent contractual forms that provide for the anonymity of the parties. This implies that there is no need for censorship. So if, for example, they were used for social media, no authority could intervene to remove or modify published messages. The dApp’s definition also describes a fluid platform, where developers can move freely to implement ever more innovative uses with all the advances in every sector that would come with it.
The disadvantages of dApps are all still being discovered. Being something completely new, there are still many doubts in the application phase. First of all a question of reputation. Users are all accustomed to guided interfaces, very simple to use, like those of apps. Moreover, dApps could require significant updates and improvements, which is very difficult to do as data and codes are published on a blockchain.
To deepen the topic:
