Decentralized Applications (DApps) on Ethereum

Lessons > Decentralized Applications (DApps) on Ethereum
Course Content
Introduction to Ethereum
⦁ What is Ethereum? Welcome to the first lesson of our course, "Introduction to Ethereum for Beginners." Today, we will dive into the world of Ethereum and start exploring this fascinating technology. Ethereum, in the simplest terms, is an open-source, blockchain-based platform that enables developers to build and deploy decentralized applications (dApps). It was proposed in late 2013 by a cryptocurrency researcher and programmer named Vitalik Buterin and development was funded by an online crowdsale in mid-2014. The Ethereum platform has its own cryptocurrency, known as Ether (ETH), which is used primarily for two purposes: as a digital currency, like Bitcoin, and is used inside Ethereum to run applications and even to monetize work. But Ethereum is so much more than just a cryptocurrency. It's a whole ecosystem that allows developers to build and run smart contracts - self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code. This means that Ethereum is not just a platform but also a programming language (Turing complete) running on a blockchain, helping developers to build and publish distributed applications. Ethereum's vision is to create a "World Computer" - a decentralized platform that runs smart contracts: applications that run exactly as programmed without any possibility of downtime, censorship, fraud, or third-party interference. ⦁ The History of Ethereum As we continue our journey into the world of Ethereum, it's important to understand its roots. The history of Ethereum is not just a timeline of events, but a story of innovation, collaboration, and the drive to create a decentralized future. Ethereum was conceived in 2013 by Vitalik Buterin, a programmer involved with Bitcoin. Buterin saw the potential of Bitcoin and blockchain technology but felt that it was limited in scope. Bitcoin was primarily a currency, and its blockchain could not be used for other applications. Buterin proposed a new platform, Ethereum, which would feature a general scripting language and allow developers to create any kind of application on its blockchain. Buterin's proposal was met with enthusiasm, and in January 2014, Ethereum was formally announced at the North American Bitcoin Conference in Miami. The core Ethereum team consisted of Vitalik Buterin, Mihai Alisie, Anthony Di Iorio, and Charles Hoskinson. Later, Joseph Lubin, a co-founder of Ethereum who has been a significant contributor to the ecosystem, founded ConsenSys, a blockchain technology company. In order to fund the development of Ethereum, the team decided to conduct a crowdsale of Ether, Ethereum's native cryptocurrency. The crowdsale took place between July and August 2014 and was a huge success, raising over $18 million. The development of Ethereum was divided into four stages: Frontier, Homestead, Metropolis, and Serenity. Each stage added new features and improvements to the platform. Frontier, the initial stage, was launched in July 2015. It was intended for developers and technical users, allowing them to mine Ether and create smart contracts. Ethereum has had its share of challenges along the way. One of the most significant events in Ethereum's history was the DAO attack in 2016. The DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) was a complex smart contract on the Ethereum blockchain that was hacked, leading to the theft of 3.6 million Ether. This event led to a hard fork in the Ethereum blockchain, resulting in two separate chains: Ethereum (ETH) and Ethereum Classic (ETC). Despite these challenges, Ethereum has continued to grow and evolve. It has become the leading platform for decentralized applications and has paved the way for the Decentralized Finance (DeFi) movement. Today, Ethereum is not just a platform but a vibrant ecosystem of developers, innovators, and users who are shaping the future of the internet. In the next section, we will delve deeper into Ethereum's purpose and how it aims to revolutionize the world of software development and finance. So, let's move on to the next topic: Understanding Ethereum's Purpose. ⦁ Understanding Ethereum's Purpose As we continue our exploration of Ethereum, it's crucial to understand its purpose. Why was Ethereum created, and what problems does it aim to solve? Let's dive into this topic to gain a deeper understanding of Ethereum's mission and vision. Ethereum was created with the intention of taking the blockchain technology that underpins Bitcoin and adding a programming layer on top of it. This layer, known as the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), allows developers to write smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) that can run on the Ethereum blockchain. But why is this important? To answer this question, we need to look at the problems that Ethereum is trying to solve. ⦁ Centralization: In the traditional internet, most applications and services are controlled by a few large companies. These companies can censor content, restrict access, and misuse user data. Ethereum aims to solve this problem by creating a decentralized platform where applications are run on a network of computers, not controlled by any single entity. ⦁ Trust: Traditional contracts and transactions require intermediaries, like banks and lawyers, to ensure trust between parties. With Ethereum's smart contracts, the terms are written in code and automatically executed by the blockchain, eliminating the need for intermediaries and reducing the risk of fraud. ⦁ Innovation: By providing a platform for developers to write decentralized applications, Ethereum opens up a whole new world of possibilities for innovation. Developers can create anything from decentralized finance (DeFi) applications to decentralized social networks. Ethereum's purpose, then, is to enable the creation of applications that are not only decentralized but also immutable, transparent, and free from the control of any single party. It's about taking back control from centralized authorities and giving it to the users. In essence, Ethereum seeks to be the backbone of a new, decentralized internet - often referred to as Web 3.0. In this new internet, users control their own data, applications are resistant to censorship, and trust is established not through intermediaries but through code and consensus algorithms. In the next module, we will dive deeper into the technology that makes Ethereum possible - blockchain. We'll explore what blockchain is, how it works, and how it's connected to Ethereum. So, let's move on to the next module: Understanding Blockchain and Ethereum.
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Understanding Blockchain and Ethereum
Ethereum Vs. Bitcoin
Understanding Ethereum’s Currency: Ether
Decentralized Applications (DApps) on Ethereum
Smart Contracts on Ethereum
The Future of Ethereum
Official Ethereum Resources
Ethereum Blockchain For Beginners.
About Lesson

Decentralized Applications (DApps) on Ethereum

What are DApps?
Decentralized Applications, commonly known as DApps, are a crucial aspect of the Ethereum ecosystem. But what exactly are they? Let’s dive in and explore.
DApps are applications that run on a P2P (peer-to-peer) network of computers rather than a single computer. They are similar to traditional web applications. The key difference is that they are not controlled by a single entity or centralized system. Instead, they are governed by autonomy and are open source, meaning that changes to the application are decided by consensus, or majority vote.
DApps connect users and providers directly. They are built on top of blockchain technology, which provides a layer of security and transparency that traditional apps cannot. This is because every transaction on a DApp is stored on a public ledger (blockchain), making it nearly impossible to alter past transactions.
One of the most significant advantages of DApps is their resistance to censorship. Since there is no central authority that controls the app, no one can decide to shut it down or dictate how it should be used. This is a stark contrast to traditional apps, where the app owner has the final say on its operation.
In the context of Ethereum, DApps utilize the Ethereum blockchain to create their own smart contracts. These smart contracts are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code. This allows for a trustless system where agreements can be made without a middleman.
DApps on Ethereum can range from games to marketplaces, to financial applications. The possibilities are vast and continually growing as more developers enter the space.
In the next sections, we will delve deeper into how to use DApps on Ethereum and explore some popular DApps that are currently being used.
Remember, the power of DApps lies in their decentralization, transparency, and resistance to censorship. As we move forward in this module, keep these key features in mind. They are what make Ethereum and its DApps a revolutionary force in the world of technology and beyond.

How to Use DApps on Ethereum

Now that we have a clear understanding of what DApps are, let’s explore how to use them on the Ethereum platform.

Step 1: Setting Up an Ethereum Wallet
Before you can interact with DApps on Ethereum, you’ll need an Ethereum wallet. This is a digital wallet where you can store, send, and receive Ether (ETH), the native currency of Ethereum. There are many types of Ethereum wallets available, but for the purpose of interacting with DApps, a web3 wallet like MetaMask is recommended.
MetaMask is a browser extension that allows you to run Ethereum DApps right in your browser without running a full Ethereum node. It’s available for Chrome, Firefox, and Brave browsers.

To set up MetaMask:

⦁ Download and install the MetaMask extension from the official website.
⦁ Once installed, click on the MetaMask icon in your browser to open the extension.
⦁ Follow the prompts to set up a new wallet. Make sure to write down and safely store the seed phrase given to you during setup. This is crucial for recovering your wallet if you ever forget your password or lose access to your device.

Step 2: Loading Ether into Your Wallet

To interact with DApps on Ethereum, you’ll need some Ether in your wallet. This is because every transaction on the Ethereum network, including interactions with DApps, requires a small amount of Ether as a “gas fee”.
You can acquire Ether from cryptocurrency exchanges like Coinbase, Binance, or Kraken. Once you’ve purchased Ether, you can send it to your MetaMask wallet by using the public address provided by MetaMask.
Step 3: Interacting with a DApp

Now that you have an Ethereum wallet set up and loaded with Ether, you’re ready to interact with a DApp.
⦁ Navigate to the DApp you want to use. Some popular Ethereum DApps include Uniswap (a decentralized exchange), CryptoKitties (a virtual pet game), and MakerDAO (a decentralized lending platform).
⦁ Connect your MetaMask wallet to the DApp. This is usually done by clicking a “Connect Wallet” or “Login” button on the DApp’s website.
⦁ Follow the prompts to approve the connection. Once connected, you can start interacting with the DApp. This could involve trading tokens on Uniswap, buying a virtual pet on CryptoKitties, or opening a loan on MakerDAO.
Remember, every transaction you make on a DApp will require a gas fee, which will be deducted from the Ether in your MetaMask wallet. Always make sure you have enough Ether in your wallet to cover these fees.

In the next section, we will explore some popular DApps on Ethereum and how they are being used. This will give you a better understanding of the vast potential of DApps and the role they play in the Ethereum ecosystem.

⦁ Popular DApps on Ethereum
In the previous sections, we have learned about the concept of DApps and how to use them on the Ethereum platform. Now, let’s delve into some popular DApps that are currently being used on Ethereum. These examples will help you understand the practical applications and the vast potential of DApps.

⦁ Uniswap
Uniswap is a decentralized exchange (DEX) built on the Ethereum blockchain. It allows users to trade Ethereum tokens directly from their wallets, without the need for a centralized exchange. Uniswap uses an automated liquidity protocol, which means that the platform is entirely decentralized and is maintained by algorithms rather than people.
Uniswap has gained popularity due to its open and permissionless nature. Anyone can list their token on Uniswap and start trading. This has led to a boom in the number of tokens available and has made Uniswap a central hub for token trading in the Ethereum ecosystem.

⦁ CryptoKitties CryptoKitties is a blockchain-based virtual game that allows players to adopt, raise, and trade virtual cats. The game was one of the first DApps to gain significant attention and has been credited with showcasing the potential of DApps to a wider audience.
Each CryptoKitty is unique and owned by the user, validated through the blockchain, and its value can appreciate or depreciate based on the market. CryptoKitties showed the world that DApps could be more than financial applications – they can also offer a new form of digital entertainment.
⦁ MakerDAO:MakerDAO is a decentralized credit platform on Ethereum that supports Dai, a stablecoin whose value is pegged to the US Dollar. Users can open a collateralized debt position (CDP), lock in Ether as collateral, and generate Dai as debt against this collateral.
MakerDAO is a prime example of a decentralized finance (DeFi) application, a fast-growing sector in the blockchain space. It offers a glimpse into a future where traditional financial products like loans and savings accounts can be replaced with decentralized alternatives.

⦁ Decentraland: Decentraland is a virtual reality platform powered by the Ethereum blockchain. Users can create, experience, and monetize content and applications. In this virtual world, users purchase plots of land that they can later navigate, build upon, and monetize.
Decentraland represents a new form of immersive digital entertainment. It’s a glimpse into the potential future of DApps, where the line between reality and the digital world becomes increasingly blurred.

These are just a few examples of the many DApps that are currently being used on Ethereum. They showcase the broad range of possibilities that DApps offer, from financial services to gaming to virtual reality. As we move forward, we can expect to see even more innovative and exciting applications being developed.

In the next module, we will delve into another critical aspect of the Ethereum ecosystem – Smart Contracts. We will learn what they are, how they work, and their potential use cases. So, stay tuned!

 

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