From Web2 to Web3: What Developers Should Know
Transitioning from Web2 to Web3 represents a significant shift in how applications are built, deployed, and interacted with. Here's what developers should know to navigate this evolution effectively:
๐ Web2 vs Web3: A Quick Overview
Feature Web2 Web3
Architecture Centralized Decentralized
Data Storage Cloud servers (AWS, GCP, etc.) Blockchain / IPFS / Decentralized storage
Identity Email/password, OAuth Crypto wallets (e.g., MetaMask)
Monetization Ads, subscriptions Tokens, NFTs, smart contracts
Ownership Platform-owned User-owned (via tokens, NFTs)
๐ง Core Concepts Developers Must Understand
1. Blockchain Basics
Blockchain = decentralized ledger (e.g., Ethereum, Solana, Polygon)
Immutable, transparent, and distributed data storage
Learn about gas fees, consensus mechanisms, transactions
2. Smart Contracts
Self-executing code stored on the blockchain
Written mostly in Solidity (Ethereum) or Rust (Solana)
Deployed to blockchains and executed in a trustless manner
3. Crypto Wallets & Identity
Users authenticate via wallets (e.g., MetaMask, WalletConnect)
No usernames or passwords; identity is tied to a public address
Wallet integration is key for dApps (decentralized apps)
4. Decentralized Storage
Use tools like IPFS, Filecoin, Arweave for hosting files/data
Blockchain isn’t for storing large data; use hybrid storage solutions
5. Frontend for Web3
Web3 frontends still use React, Vue, etc.
Use libraries like:
ethers.js / web3.js (Ethereum interaction)
wagmi, RainbowKit (wallet connectors)
Moralis, Thirdweb (backend infrastructure helpers)
6. Security is Critical
Smart contracts are public and immutable once deployed
Audit your code (manual review, tools like MythX or CertiK)
Beware of common vulnerabilities: reentrancy, overflows, etc.
๐ ️ Essential Tools & Frameworks
Purpose Tools/Frameworks
Smart Contract Dev Solidity, Hardhat, Foundry, Truffle
Blockchain APIs Alchemy, Infura, QuickNode
Frontend Wallets MetaMask, Rainbow, Coinbase Wallet
Web3 Libraries ethers.js, web3.js, wagmi
Testing & Deploy Hardhat, Foundry, Ganache
๐ How to Get Started
Learn Solidity – Start with simple contracts (e.g., Hello World, ERC-20).
Deploy to Testnets – Use testnets like Goerli or Sepolia.
Build a dApp – Simple projects like a token faucet, voting app, or NFT minting site.
Understand Tokenomics – Learn how tokens (fungible and non-fungible) work.
Join Web3 Communities – Get involved in DAOs, open source projects, Discords, hackathons.
๐งญ Mindset Shift
From client-server → peer-to-peer
From platform control → protocol ownership
From user data collection → user data sovereignty
From fiat → crypto-native systems
⚠️ Challenges to Watch Out For
Scalability & gas costs
UX complexity (wallets, keys)
Regulatory uncertainty
Interoperability between chains
✅ Final Thoughts
Web3 development is more than just writing smart contracts—it's about building decentralized systems with a new philosophy around ownership, privacy, and value exchange. Start small, stay curious, and build with community in mind.
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