Web2 refers to the second generation of the Internet, where websites and web applications are centralized. Web2 has been the norm for many years, featuring a client-server architecture where data is stored on central servers controlled by a handful of large companies. This centralized approach has limitations in terms of privacy, security, and data control. Web3, on the other hand, is a decentralized version of the internet where data is distributed and controlled by the users themselves using blockchain technology. This increases transparency, security, and control over personal data.
Understanding the technical differences between Web2 and Web3 is essential for developers to adapt and create applications for the future of the internet. In this article, we'll explore the technical differences between Web2 and Web3 and the implications for the future.

Agreement

In Web2, computers use HTTP to find information in the form of unique web addresses, which are stored in a fixed location, usually on a single server. In Web3, since information will be found according to its content, it can be stored in multiple locations at the same time, so it is decentralized.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the main protocol used to transfer data over the Internet. It is a client-server protocol that allows communication between a web server and a web client, such as a web browser. IPFS (Interplanetary File System), on the other hand, is a distributed protocol that provides a decentralized file storage system. It aims to create a more efficient and secure way to store and share files over the internet.
One advantage of HTTP is its widespread use and compatibility with all web browsers, making it easy to access websites and web applications. However, HTTP has limitations in terms of scalability and security. IPFS, on the other hand, provides a safer and more efficient way to store and share files through its decentralized architecture. It allows faster access to data and reduces the risk of data loss or corruption. However, IPFS is still in its early stages, and its adoption is not as widespread as HTTP.

How to build

A centralized architecture refers to a system where a single entity can control all data and resources, while a decentralized architecture is a system where multiple nodes share data and resources, and no single entity controls them. Decentralized architectures offer benefits such as increased security, transparency, and resiliency, while centralized architectures provide better control and efficiency.
Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that uses a peer-to-peer network to record and verify transactions. In a blockchain network, each participant has a copy of the ledger, and transactions are verified by a consensus mechanism involving multiple nodes. The decentralized nature of the network makes it difficult to tamper with the ledger, as any changes need to be approved by a majority of nodes. This makes blockchain a secure and transparent way to record and transmit data, and has led to its adoption across industries.

Data sharing

In Web2, traditional client-server data sharing is the primary approach, where a central server is responsible for storing and managing data, while client devices request and receive data from the server. The server handles all data transactions, and clients must connect to the server to access and interact with the data. This model can cause scalability, security, and transport issues because all traffic is pooled through a single point of access.
In contrast, Web3 uses decentralized data sharing through peer-to-peer networks instead of centralized servers, enabling more secure, transparent, and efficient data sharing. Unlike traditional client-server data sharing, decentralized data sharing uses blockchain technology to ensure the immutability and integrity of data, and eliminates the need for intermediaries, reducing the risk of data leakage and manipulation.
Web3's decentralized data sharing also promotes data ownership and control, enabling individuals to share and monetize their data on their own terms. The Web3 data sharing protocol is designed to be distributed across multiple nodes, enabling greater resiliency, scalability, and security. This decentralized network structure is achieved through the use of blockchain technology and other peer-to-peer protocols that allow secure and transparent data sharing without the need for a central authority.
One of the most well-known data sharing protocols in Web3 is the Interplanetary File System (IPFS), a distributed protocol that provides a decentralized file storage system. IPFS aims to create a more efficient and secure way to store and share files over the internet. It uses content addressing instead of traditional location-based addressing, making it safer and more efficient than traditional methods.
Another protocol used in Web3 is the Whisper Protocol of the Ethereum Network, which allows peer-to-peer messaging between nodes in the Ethereum Network. Designed to be secure, efficient, and scalable, Whisper offers a decentralized alternative to traditional messaging services.
In addition to these protocols, various decentralized data sharing platforms and applications have been developed in Web3, such as the Ocean Protocol and Golem, which allow data and computing resources to be shared securely and efficiently.

Data storage

Web2 and Web3 handle data storage differently. In Web2, data is often stored in centralized servers controlled by large companies. In Web3, data is decentralized and distributed across a network of nodes, enabling greater security, privacy, and accessibility.

Web2 storage

In Web2, data is usually stored in a centralized database or file system. Some examples of Web2 storage technologies include:
SQL database: A Structured Query Language (SQL) database is a relational database that stores data in tables with columns and rows. They are commonly used in Web2 applications to store structured data such as user profiles, transaction records, and inventory data.
NoSQL databases: A NoSQL database is a non-relational database that stores data in a more flexible format, such as key-value pairs, documents, or graphs. They are commonly used in Web2 applications to store unstructured data such as social media posts, product reviews, and sensor data.
File system: File systems are used to store unstructured data such as images, videos, and documents. Web2 file systems typically rely on centralized servers or storage area networks (SANs) to manage file storage and access.
While Web2 storage technologies have been successful in enabling data storage and retrieval, they also have limitations in terms of security, privacy, and accessibility. Centralized storage systems are vulnerable to data breaches, inspections, and system breaks, and they require a high level of trust in the central authority that manages the data.

Web3 storage

Web3 storage solutions are designed to address the limitations of centralized storage systems by leveraging decentralized and distributed storage architectures. Web3 storage solutions provide greater security, privacy, and accessibility by using the Crypto protocol, peer-to-peer networks, and blockchain technology to store and manage data.
Here are some examples of Web3 storage solutions:
IPFS (Interplanetary File System): IPFS is a decentralized file storage system that allows users to store and share files on a network of nodes. IPFS uses content addressing instead of location-based addressing, which allows files to be stored and retrieved more efficiently and securely.
Swarm: Swarm is a decentralized storage platform that is part of the Ethereum ecosystem. It allows users to store and retrieve data on a peer-to-peer network of nodes and has the advantage of being able to manage and access data using smart contracts.
Filecoin: Filecoin is a decentralized storage network that uses blockchain technology to incentivize users to contribute storage space and bandwidth to the network. Users can earn tokens by providing storage space to the network, and they can also use tokens to access storage services provided by other users.
Arweave: Arweave is a blockchain-based storage network that uses a novel consensus algorithm called "proof of access" to ensure that data is permanently stored on the network. Arweave aims to create a new storage model that is both decentralized and sustainable.
These are just a few examples of Web3 storage solutions currently available. As the Web3 ecosystem continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative and decentralized storage solutions emerge.

Internet

Web2 networks are typically centralized and rely on a single point of control, while Web3 networks are decentralized and rely on a peer-to-peer network structure. In Web2, data and services are mostly hosted on central servers owned by a handful of large companies. In contrast, Web3 networks are designed to be distributed across multiple nodes, enabling greater resiliency, scalability, and security. This decentralized network structure is achieved through the use of blockchain technology and other peer-to-peer protocols that allow secure and transparent data sharing without the need for a central authority.

Safe

Web2 and Web3 are very different in terms of security. Web2 is a centralized system that is vulnerable to multiple security risks, such as data breaches, identity theft, and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. In contrast, Web3's decentralized architecture and Crypto approach ensures greater security and resiliency by distributing data across the network, making it difficult for attackers to manipulate or compromise data.
The Web2 security protocol relies on SSL/TLS Crypt to protect data transmission over the Internet. However, SSL/TLS Crypto alone is not enough to ensure complete security, as the centralized nature of Web2 networks makes them vulnerable to single points of failure and attacks. As a result, Web2 systems are often vulnerable to security breaches and data theft.
In contrast, Web3 relies on Crypto technology to ensure security and privacy. These include hash functions, public key crypto, digital signatures, and secure multi-party computation. Hash functions are used to convert data of any size into a fixed-length string that can be used to verify the integrity of the data. Public key cryptos are used for secure communication between parties, and digital signatures are used to verify the authenticity of data. Secure multi-party computation allows data to be calculated without revealing the actual data to any interested party.

Web applications

In a traditional Web application architecture, the client sends a request to the server, and the server processes the request and sends the response back to the client. Server-side logic manages data and business logic, while client-side logic focuses on user interface and rendering. This model, often referred to as the client-server model, is centralized in nature.
In Web3, decentralized web applications (dApps) are built on a blockchain, allowing the creation of trustless, transparent, and secure applications that run without intermediaries. Smart contracts are self-executing contracts that automatically execute the rules and regulations of an agreement. They play a key role in the operation of dApps because of their ability to create decentralized, independent systems that operate without centralized control. Smart contracts enable the creation of new business models, facilitate secure and efficient transactions, and provide openness and accountability in the dApp ecosystem.

Conclusion

There are big differences between Web2 and Web3, which represents a paradigm shift in its technical architecture, protocols, data sharing, storage, network structure, security, and application development. The shift to decentralized and peer-to-peer networks, as well as the use of Crypto technology and smart contracts, offers new opportunities for data privacy, security, and ownership. While Web3 is still in the early stages of development, it has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with the internet and with each other, providing a more open, transparent and secure digital environment.
The original article is from Damilola Lawrence, Chinese content compiled by the Metaverse Heart (MetaverseHub) team, please contact us if you want to reprint.