AI is the current trend taking everyone by storm. The possibilities are limitless, and one cannot but wonder how technology is making our world become more exciting. But before the AI rave, several other trends are still gaining traction; one is Decentralized Applications (dApps).
With dApps, users can interact with smart contacts and other digital assets transparently and securely. Whether you are just starting or already an experienced blockchain developer, developing dApps can be somewhat challenging, especially considering you have no experience with the right team.
In this blog entry, you will learn everything you need to know about building a decentralized app (please, check this Topflight Apps article), including but not limited to the different types of dApps you can build, suitable platforms for your dApps development, and many more.
Let’s dive right in!
First, What Are The Types of Decentralized Apps?
There are three (3) major types of dApps you should know: Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3.
- Type 1: These are decentralized applications that have their own blockchain. A perfect example of this type of dApps is Bitcoin. Ethereum fits into this category, too.
- Type 2: These applications derive their benefits from Type 1 dApps. A perfect example is the Omni protocol, a dApps developed based on Bitcoin and supports the exchange of value or assets without involving any third party.
- Type 3: This decentralized application category is built based on the capabilities of Type 2 dApps. A safe network – an autonomous data network for developing censorship-free applications and websites – is a perfect example of this category.
Best Blockchain Platform to Create a Decentralized App
After choosing the type of dApp you want to build, whether Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3, it is important to choose the right blockchain for it. The type of blockchain platform you choose largely depends on the pros you want to achieve.
Type 1 dApps, as mentioned in the previous section, have their own blockchain – meaning you’ll have to create their own from scratch. But for other types, you can build on existing blockchains.
Below are the common blockchain platforms amongst dApp developers worldwide:
- Ethereum: It’s relatively easier to create a dApp on Ethereum, thanks to its custom, ready-made developer tools and EVM toolkit. Also, the Ethereum blockchain supports end-to-end smart contracts and allows quick application scaling.
- EOS: EOS is less popular than the Ethereum blockchain but is still regarded as its major competitor. Its USP includes low commissions, smart contract execution, enterprise solutions toolkit, cross-chain compatibility, etc.
- Solana: Solana is built on Rust and C++ and is popular largely because of its short learning curve, scalability, and, more importantly, security.
- Polygon: Polygon blockchain currently boasts over 300 active decentralized applications. Like EOS, it also offers low transaction fees and is popular because of its multichain functionality and brilliant scalability.
Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide to Developing dApps
Step 1: Know Your Project
It’s hard to scale what you know little or nothing about. This is why you must first know clearly your project to create a decentralized application with blockchain. Why do you want to build a dApp instead of a traditional one?
Now, what type of dApp do you want to build? Has anyone done something similar before? How did they do it? What was their achievement? Was the project a success? Etc. Painstakingly answering these questions is crucial to having a successful dApp development project.
Step 2: Define Your Project Specifications
An idea will remain an idea until it is structured. Ideas that aren’t worked on can never come to life – the same applies to creating dApps, too. Move away from the theoretical part and delve into the technical. Define the specifications and details of the project.
You may need to hire a dApp development team at this stage to make things much easier as you progress.
Step 3: Have Your UI/UX Design
You can design the User Interface and the User Experience using your defined specifications. Unlike popular belief, we recommend you design your UI and UX earlier in the development stage instead of later in the pipeline.
Step 4: Developing Your Blockchain dApp
This is where the bulk of the technical work is done, including but not limited to infrastructure development, blockchain engineering, etc. You do not need to bother with this jargon unless you want to DIY. The dApps development team you hired earlier in the pipeline will be most useful at this stage.
Typically, you just need to discuss your goals with them, and they will help bring your project to reality. This is where the choice of team you hire is crucial. Hiring the wrong team of blockchain developers may completely ruin your business idea and project goal(s).
Step 5: Test
Do not launch your minimum viable product right away. Test it first to confirm its functionalities, security, etc. Consider testing the decentralized application in a simulated environment to identify and fix any possible errors and bugs.
Step 6: You Can Now Launch
Your secure and innovative decentralized application is now ready for market launch! Take note of the following to ensure a brilliant market entry:
- Let the dApp have a custom domain.
- Ensure timely response to user feedback.
- Provide real-time solutions to user complaints.
- Ensure routine maintenance of the dApp.
Conclusion
Building and launching your dApp is never the end of the development process. Typically, developing dApps is a continuous journey that never ends.
The importance of building a dApp, especially to ensure security and competitiveness, can never be exaggerated. However, more importantly, building it right is what matters the most. Still, have questions on how to develop dApps? Please ask the community via the comment section below!