What is the difference between Web1, Web2 and Web3?

The World Wide Web, or simply the web, has come a long way since its inception in 1989. From its early days as a simple collection of static pages, the web has evolved into a powerful tool for communication, information sharing, and commerce.

The web has gone through three major stages of development, commonly referred to as Web1, Web2, and Web3. In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between these three stages of web development and how they have shaped the internet as we know it today.

Web2

Web2, also known as the dynamic web, was the second stage of web development. It was characterised by the introduction of new technologies such as JavaScript, which allowed for the creation of interactive and dynamic web pages. Web2 also introduced the concept of social media, with the launch of platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. This allowed users to interact with each other and share information, photos, and videos.

Web2 also introduced the concept of e-commerce, with the launch of platforms such as Amazon and eBay, which allowed users to buy and sell products online. The introduction of dynamic pages, with the help of javascript, allowed the pages to update in real-time and provided a more interactive experience to the users. With the introduction of databases, web pages were able to become more dynamic, allowing them to display personalised content based on user preferences. The introduction of cookies and sessions also allowed for better management of user interactions on web pages.

Web2 also introduced the concept of Web Application, which allowed users to interact with web-based applications such as email, calendar, and documents. The introduction of these applications made the web more interactive and opened a new avenue for businesses and organisations to provide services to their customers and clients.

Web3

Web3, also known as the decentralized web, is the current stage of web development. It is based on a new set of technologies such as blockchain and peer-to-peer networks that allow for decentralized control of the internet. The main goal of web3 is to create a more open, transparent, and secure web. Web3 is being developed to solve the problems of centralization and censorship on the current web. With the use of blockchain technology, web3 aims to create a decentralized web where users have more control over their data and experience. Decentralization also leads to greater privacy and security, as well as the ability for users to monetize their content and creations.

Web3 also aims to create a more inclusive and equitable web by providing equal access to information and opportunities to all users. The use of blockchain technology allows for the creation of decentralised applications (dApps) that can run on top of the blockchain. These dApps can be used to create new business models and opportunities that are not possible on the current web. For example, a decentralised marketplace can be created where users can buy and sell goods and services without the need for a central authority.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the web has gone through significant changes in the last few decades. From the static web of web1, to the dynamic and interactive web of web2, and now the decentralised and secure web of web3. Each stage of web development has brought new opportunities and possibilities for individuals and businesses. Web2 has allowed for the creation of new business models, such as e-commerce and social media, while web3 aims to create a more open, transparent and secure web. As the web continues to evolve, it’s important for businesses and organisations to stay aware of the changes and opportunities that come with each stage of web development. By embracing the new technologies and possibilities, they can stay ahead of the curve and continue to provide valuable services to their customers and clients.

Merse Advisory was created to provide credible, objective, and pragmatic advice on the Metaverse and Web3. Merse consultants are immersed in bringing new ideas to life and working with clients to successfully enter the Metaverse. 

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