DEV Community

Cover image for What are cryptocurrency, bitcoin and web3 in 2023? (Explain Like, I'm Five!)
Muhammad Asadullah (Asad)
Muhammad Asadullah (Asad)

Posted on • Updated on

What are cryptocurrency, bitcoin and web3 in 2023? (Explain Like, I'm Five!)

Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security and is decentralized, meaning it is not controlled by any central authority. It operates on a distributed ledger technology called blockchain, which allows for secure and transparent record-keeping of transactions.

Image description

Bitcoin is the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, created in 2009 by an unknown individual or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. It uses the blockchain technology to enable peer-to-peer transactions without the need for intermediaries, such as banks.

Image description

Web3, also known as the decentralized web, is the third generation of the internet that uses blockchain technology to enable decentralized applications (dApps) and peer-to-peer communication. It allows users to interact with decentralized networks directly, without the need for intermediaries.

Image description

An example of a cryptocurrency application is using bitcoin to make online payments, without the need for a bank or credit card company. A web3 application could be a decentralized marketplace, where users can buy and sell goods and services directly, without the need for a central platform.

An example of a decentralized application using web3 technology is a peer-to-peer marketplace that allows users to buy and sell goods and services directly with one another without the need for a central authority. This enables users to have more control over their transactions and reduces the fees and commissions typically associated with traditional marketplaces.

Another application of web3 technology is the use of smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement between buyer and seller being directly written into lines of code. This allows for more efficient and secure contract execution without the need for intermediaries, making it a useful tool in industries such as real estate, supply chain management and insurance.

Image description

Top comments (0)