In this chapter, we’ll demystify DApps, explaining what they are, how they work, and how their core architecture is structured. After covering the fundamentals, we’ll walk through a practical, hands-on example where you’ll build your first DApp from the ground up. This includes deploying the necessary smart contracts, integrating a frontend, and preparing the entire stack for a near-production environment. By the end, you’ll have both a working DApp and a solid understanding of the core concepts that underpin these innovative applications.
What Is a DApp?
DApp stands for decentralized application; it’s a completely new paradigm shift compared to legacy applications, where you usually have the following architecture, as shown in Figure 12-1:
A closed source code for the logic part of the app
A centralized database to store application data into
A unique frontend to let users access the app
Figure 12-1. General architecture of a legacy application
Think about Instagram, TikTok, your bank, or whatever applications you have on your phone right now. They probably rely on a very similar architecture. You have access to the application only if the team behind it wants you to access it; there are no alternative websites you can visit to log into your Instagram account if the official one is out of service.
DApps have two clear goals: don’t ...
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