dApps
web3 infrastructure • tools • interfaces
dApps (decentralized applications) are software applications that run on blockchain networks instead of centralized servers. They use smart contracts to execute functions and offer services such as finance, gaming, social media, and marketplaces. dApps are typically open-source, censorship-resistant, and operate without intermediaries, giving users greater control and transparency.
Use Case: A decentralized exchange (DEX) dApp enables users to trade tokens directly from their wallets without relying on centralized custody, reducing counterparty risk and enhancing sovereignty.
Key Concepts:
- Smart Contracts — The programmable backbone of dApps that execute rules automatically.
- DeFi — A category of dApps offering lending, borrowing, and yield strategies.
- NFTs — Digital assets frequently integrated into dApp ecosystems for gaming and marketplaces.
- Web3 — The broader framework in which dApps operate, emphasizing decentralization and user ownership.
Summary: dApps shift power from centralized platforms to decentralized ecosystems. By leveraging smart contracts and blockchain networks, they provide transparent, trustless, and user-controlled alternatives across industries from finance to entertainment.
Capital Rotation Map – dApp Ecosystem Flow
| Stage | dApp Function | Capital Flow Effect |
|---|---|---|
| 1 — Onboarding | Users connect wallets and deposit assets | Liquidity enters decentralized ecosystems |
| 2 — Utility | Smart contracts enable lending, trading, or gaming | Capital circulates within dApp platforms |
| 3 — Rewards | Users earn tokens, NFTs, or yield incentives | Capital expands through incentive distribution |
| 4 — Rotation | Profits moved to other dApps or asset classes | Capital rotates across DeFi, gaming, and marketplaces |