Get started
Introduction to dapps
A decentralized application (dapp) is an application built on a decentralized network that combines a smart contract and a frontend user interface. On Ethereum, smart contracts are accessible and transparent so your dapp can even include a smart contract that someone else has written.
Definition of a dapp
A dapp has its backend code running on a decentralized peer-to-peer network. Contrast this with an app where the backend code is running on centralized servers.
A dapp can have frontend code and user interfaces written in any language (just like an app) to make calls to its backend. Furthermore, its frontend can get hosted on decentralized storage such as IPFS.
Decentralized - dapps operate on Ethereum, an open public decentralized platform where no one person or group has control
Deterministic - dapps perform the same function irrespective of the environment in which they get executed
Turing complete - dapps can perform any action given the required resources
Isolated - dapps are executed in a virtual environment known as Ethereum Virtual Machine so that if the smart contract has a bug, it won’t hamper the normal functioning of the blockchain network
How dapps work
Dapps have their backend code (smart contracts) running on a decentralized network and not a centralized server. They use the Agora blockchain for data storage and smart contracts for their app logic.
A smart contract is like a set of rules that live on-chain for all to see and run exactly according to those rules. Imagine a vending machine: if you supply it with enough funds and the right selection, you'll get the item you want. And like vending machines, smart contracts can hold funds much like your BOA account. This allows code to mediate agreements and transactions.
Once dapps are deployed on the Agora network you can't change them. Dapps can be decentralized because they are controlled by the logic written into the contract, not by an individual or a company.
Get started
To try a dapp, you'll need a wallet and some BOA. A wallet will allow you to connect, or log in. And you'll need BOA to pay any transaction fees.
Get some BOA Dapp actions cost a transaction fee
Ready? Choose a dapp to try out
Last updated