What is the Difference Between Web2 and Web3?

The World Wide Web has developed through a number of different stages since its inception, and this process is ongoing even to this day. 

It is essential to analyze earlier versions of the World Wide Web in order to evaluate their merits in light of the developments that are currently underway in the Web 3.0 space, specifically blockchain and other forms of security technology.

Understanding the concepts preceding them may aid users in getting a stronger grip on the technology while it is still in its infancy.

THE EVOLUTION OF THE WEB

1. WEB 1

Web 1 was a time of exploration and innovation, with many firsts taking place as the world gained a better understanding of what the “world wide web” could offer.

The first iteration of the World Wide Web was characterized by a predominance of static content, including little to no video material and a page format that didn’t deviate too much from the layout of a traditional printed page.

Web 1 enabled users to view static material on websites. However, users did not have the opportunity to share their views, opinions, or comments using this platform. In addition to this, it was the beginning of the dot-com era, which lasted from 1995 to 2000 and gave rise to a multitude of web companies.

2. WEB 2

Web 2, the version of the internet that is currently in use, has brought about an immense revolution of the web and in sectors related to it. Users are now able to collect, create, and disseminate massive volumes of data with just the press of a button thanks to this web-based version’s exceptionally user-friendly interface.

Every day, hundreds of brand-new applications are added to the app store of the mobile device. In addition, modern smartphones are equipped with built-in cameras that are capable of producing photographs that the majority of legitimate cameras available on the Internet were unable to conceive of a few years ago.

The ability of users to produce material and share it across worldwide networks is one of the most exciting developments brought about by Web2. Web2 platforms include social media as well as other apps for video streaming, blogging, etc.

Additionally, this time period is well-known for the simplicity with which music and video excerpts can be shared with one another.

3. WEB 3

The third generation of the World Wide Web (Web 3.0) is now the subject of much discussion on the internet. Its goal is to offer a reliable and data-driven user interface that is tailored to meet the needs of each individual user. It is anticipated that blockchain technology, the Metaverse, and the Semantic Web will all be facilitated by Web3.

There is more to it than just the fact that these characteristics are already present in today’s internet age and that even more of them are swiftly being established in them. The 3.0 version is becoming more developed as a direct result of the increasing acceptance of blockchain technology across a variety of apps and websites.

With the development of cryptocurrencies, the demand for Blockchain jobs has also increased, and many find such work more profitable and affordable. Cryptocurrency is being integrated as part of the movement toward decentralization that is occurring with Web 3.0. This opens up additional possibilities for making payments and transferring money. In addition, the use of non-fungible tokens, also known as NFTs, is yet another method by that assets can be created, managed, and owned with the help of blockchain technology.

With the advent of the metaverse, people began to look for ways to make money on it, and they use completely different ways, from design to working in real estate. You can find out more about Metaverse jobs and the necessary skills for such employment.

An additional defining characteristic of the new world of Web 3.0 is the application of AI technology to facilitate processes, automation, and the user experience in general. AI not only enables new forms of intelligent search and connections but also helps to improve the speed and scalability of the web itself.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WEB 2 AND WEB 3

Web 2 and Web 3 are two distinct versions of the same technology that share a history, but each takes on problems in a distinctive manner. While the goal of Web 2 is to bring people together, Web 3 will merge this data while also working to increase trust.

1. DECENTRALIZATION

There is no one who has the authority to suspend a user’s Web 3 account, remove a user’s post, or do anything else of the sort. This is due to the fact that once information is uploaded to the internet, it cannot be changed by anyone. There is no database that is held by a single company that will contain one’s information and allows one to erase, delete, or amend that information. This was, however, not obtainable under Web 2 and consolidates the foundations of the Decentralization theory.

2. CENSORSHIP

Given that there is no dedicated server controlled by any specific individual that keeps data on Web 3, and because Blockchain gives users the ability to remain anonymous, it is impossible for anyone to determine who exactly utilizes the platform. If we were to know a specific person, it would only afford us the knowledge of their address on the blockchain, but not in the physical world.

3. NETWORK CRASH

There was a moment when Facebook was inaccessible for several hours. Twitter was down for nearly six hours and threw a great deal of Web 2 cyberspace into pandemonium while it was down. In Web 3, such could never take place. This is due to the fact that Web 3 will be powered by extremely powerful and high-processing machines located all over the world. These computers are known as nodes. When one node fails, it is usually replaced by another.

4. COST OF SETUP

As a software developer, you might be interested in launching your application on a blockchain network; however, doing so would need some significant financial commitments. These payments are referred to as gas fees. This is because the persons who construct nodes and validate transactions and consensus on a conventional blockchain network are required to be compensated, and the charges may at times be too high.

On the other hand, if one uses Web 2, it is simple and inexpensive or even free to launch an application to production. Because of the minimal financial commitments required to commence projects, Web 2 has a very minor competitive advantage over its counterpart in this respect.

5. SCALABILITY

Scalability is an issue with blockchain technology. The capacity of a system to adapt to new situations is referred to as its scalability. It will take more time because, on a blockchain network that runs a Web 3 application, there can be as many transactions or records as there can be per second. This means that the network will be extremely busy.

This is due to the fact that miners will need to do mining in order for a transaction or record to be stored on a blockchain network. In contrast to Web 2, every action is performed quickly. 

THE FUTURE OF THE INTERNET

Concern has been expressed in addition to excitement regarding the decentralized nature of the internet, which naturally results in a lack of supervision and control in terms of both legality and safety. Some people have expressed skepticism on whether or not it will truly be free. Server ownership was the foundation upon which the internet was constructed. Since that time, data has become increasingly kept on some servers or a network of servers in the ‘cloud’. These servers are typically held by firms that manage data on behalf of users. 

This model will be disrupted by Web 3, which will switch from relying on a single server to using a distributed network of many servers.

Web 3 is going to produce a universal area that is not going to be managed by any one particular authority. It will completely change the way in which businesses communicate with their clients by facilitating direct communication between enterprises and their customers. In order to capitalize on prospective revenue sources, particularly curated content, goods, and experiences, new distribution methods and supporting infrastructure will need to be developed.