Web 1, Web 2, Web 3.0: Understanding the Shifts
Introduction
As I started to explore Web3, I realized that we are entering a new world of reality. Although it is in progress (still relatively new as of this writing, 2023), or should we say fresh, as it continuously develops and matures, let's try to learn how to understand it.
"Web 3.0" is a term we've all heard. It is the next stage in the evolution of the internet. This new phase will take the internet to a whole new level.
These modifications will make our lives easier as its vision of a decentralized web is currently a work in progress.
Web 1.0
- Timeline around 1990s to early 2000s
- Web 1.0 was the first version of the World Wide Web, with static web pages and little user participation.
- At the time (mid-to-late 1990s), websites were "read-only Web, " meaning you could only search for and read information.
- Websites were used mainly to spread information, and content production was limited to web developers and publishers.
- Users had few options for contributing to or interacting with the web, and there was a distinct divide between content creators and consumers.
Some Features of Web 1.0
- Web 1.0 technologies include HTML, CSS, and early versions of JavaScript.
- Frames and tables are used to align and place elements on a page.
- Less interaction between the user and the server.
Web 2.0
- Timeline introduced in the mid-2000s up to the present.
- Web 2.0 was the internet's next version (incarnation).
- Web 2.0 resulted in a new era of user-generated content, social networking, and interactive web applications.
- It is known and called "read-write Web," meaning that readers may now create and publish their material to any website instead of only viewing information.
- That's why users could contribute, share, and collaborate on content as active participants.
Some Use of Web 2.0
- Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube
- Blogging platforms like WordPress
- Collaborative platforms like Wikipedia.
- Podcasting
Web 3.0
- Timeline gained popularity in the early 2010s (emerging and ongoing development)
- Web 3.0, the decentralized web, is the internet's next evolution, intending to create a decentralized, secure, and user-centric online environment.
- Blockchain technology, cryptography, smart contracts, and tokenization are used in Web 3.0 to enable peer-to-peer interactions and eliminate the need for intermediaries.
- It promotes decentralization, privacy, security, user control over data, and interoperability among various blockchain networks and platforms.
It should be noted that the transition between various online versions is not strictly specified and can vary depending on different interpretations. Web 3.0 is still in its early stages of development, and it has yet to reach its full potential.
Some Features of Web 3.0
Let's try to discuss the features of Web 3.0 one by one.
Semantic Web
The semantic web enhances online technologies in demand for creating, sharing, and connecting content via search and analysis based on the ability to interpret the meaning of words rather than keywords or numbers.
Artificial Intelligence
Combining natural language processing, Web 3.0 can discern information like humans, resulting in faster and more relevant results. They become more intelligent to meet the needs of consumers.
3D Graphics
In Web 3.0, three-dimensional design is frequently used in websites and services. Examples include computer games, e-commerce, geographical settings, and other applications that utilize 3D visuals.
Ubiquity
Multiple applications can access the content, every device is connected to the internet, and the services can be accessed anywhere.
My Thoughts of Web 3.0
Within the context of decentralization, The goal is to eliminate the need for centralized intermediaries, which can improve transparency, minimize the risk of single points of failure, and improve security, which gives us many advantages.
Moreover, using blockchain technology and cryptographic protocols in Web 3.0 can increase the trust and security of online transactions and interactions.
However, due to a lack of regulation (decentralized), it can be difficult to govern, potentially resulting in concerns with fraud, scams, and illegal activity.
Lastly, blockchain networks, particularly those using Proof-of-work consensus algorithms, have been chastised for their excessive energy consumption and environmental effects.
Conclusion
The transition from static web pages in Web 1.0 to interactive and social platforms in Web 2.0 has already changed how we interact and engage with the internet.
Web 3.0 is the next evolutionary step, ushering in decentralized applications, tokenized markets, and trustless peer-to-peer interactions. Moreover, the benefits of Web 3.0 are obvious: enhanced data privacy, decreased reliance on middlemen, and improved security via cryptographic protocols.
Furthermore, users will have greater ownership and control over their data, and new kinds of collaboration and value exchange will be enabled through innovative digital assets and incentives.
However, it is critical to realize this new paradigm's obstacles. Scalability, user experience, and regulatory issues are still essential to overcome to fulfill Web 3.0's full potential.