Since its inception, the internet has gone through several stages of development. We had Web1 at the beginning, which consisted of static web pages that served content from the server's file system. Web1 allowed users to access information from practically anywhere on the planet. Web1, on the other hand, does not include any features for interacting with the material. As a result, Web2 began to acquire traction, and the following revelation of Web2's flaws led to the creation of Web3. Before we answer the question "What is the difference between Web2 and Web3?" let us first study about Web2 and Web3. This will help us grasp the differences more effectively.
What exactly is Web2?
Web2. It refers to the second wave of internet services that cantered on allowing users to interact with web content. Web2 aided the rise of user-generated content as well as end-user interoperability and usability. The focus of the second-generation web is not on changing technical specifications. On the contrary, it emphasises modifying the look and feel of online sites as well as how they are used. Web2 promoted user participation and involvement in peer-to-peer transactions, laying the groundwork for e-commerce and social networks.
What about Web3?
Web2 may appear to be a more evolved approach to the internet, yet it still has a number of flaws. How about the safety of your personal information? In Web2, trusted institutions gain control over users' data, owing to the requirement for trusted intermediaries. When two parties don't know or trust each other and need to conduct a transaction, they must rely on trusted intermediaries. The middleman, on the other hand, has control over data storage and administration, which strengthens their grip on users. Furthermore, centralised power has never worked effectively during times of crisis, necessitating decentralisation. In the debate over "what is the difference between Web2 and Web3," the latter is the key player. It has a promising solution to the Web2 setbacks.
The Web3 is the future, as well as an Internet that is more intelligent, autonomous, and open. Computer devices will be able to understand data in a way that is more human-like, and consumers will be provided more personalised content and experiences thanks to technologies like Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR).
Now to the differences
Web3 is a decentralized peer-to-peer (P2P) network that connects users, exchange, and share data without relying on a third party. When you use Web2, duplicates of your data are sent to data servers every time you use the internet, and you no longer have sole ownership of it. There is no centralised server in P2P, which is defined as a group of computers linked together with equal permissions and responsibilities for data processing.
Web2 has been instrumental in the creation of numerous new technologies. AJAX and JavaScript are two important technologies that have fueled the expansion of Web2. In addition, the prevalence of CSS3 and HTML5 among the technologies enabling Web2 may be seen. On the other end of the spectrum, you'll discover Web3, which supports the adoption of cutting-edge technology. AI, semantic web, and decentralised protocols are among the primary technologies that constitute Web3's basis. Knowledge bases and ontologies are two more prominent technologies that are driving the rise of Web3.
Another important component in defining the distinctions between Web2 and Web3 is the status of the data. The network owns the data in Web2. Web3, on the other hand, suggests that an entity owns data and that data may be shared across the network with ease.
What's the next step?
Now that we have a better understanding of how transformative Web3 will be, we can see the numerous hurdles that lie ahead when we begin to implement it.
More engineers are critically needed to help construct the future generation of the Web.
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