What are DApps?

Decentralized Applications (DApps) are open-source applications or programs that exist and run on a distributed network like a blockchain. Unlike other traditional applications, DApps are not controlled by a single entity on a centralized server. Instead, they have their backend code (smart contracts) running on a decentralized network. This means that no one person or entity will have entire control of the network.

DApps are a radical new way of building and operating applications. But from the user’s perspective, there is little to no difference between a traditional app and a decentralized app that runs on a blockchain. It could be a website or an app on a phone. What makes it different from the traditional apps is the decentralized network on which it is built.

All DApps will have smart contracts at their core. And since they are built and operated on blockchain networks, they will share all the advantages and disadvantages of a blockchain. And the most important aspects of DApps is its ability to maintain privacy, keep immutable records and bypass the middlemen.

Some of the leading DApps include the popular crypto collectible game, CryptoKitties; Decentralized Exchanges (DEX) like UniSwap and SushiSwap; and Decentralized Finance (DeFi) protocols like Compound and Aave. Today, most of the DApps run on the Ethereum blockchain. But recently more DApps are being built on other DApp platforms like Cardano, EOS and Polkadot.

What is a DApp Browser?

There are a growing number of DApps that are being developed on various DApp platforms. However, the use of these applications has always been somewhat cumbersome. Since all these DApps have a unique code, it meant that they may only work on specific platforms. And not all DApps worked on traditional browsers like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Safari. This required the use of DApp browsers to specialize in opening various DApps.

These DApp browsers serve as a bridge between the DApps and their users. It allowed the users to use their mobile phones and desktops to interact with DApps. Some of these browsers are part of cryptocurrency wallets that can be used to receive Ethereum and ERC20 tokens and also store DeFi assets and NFT. Some of the most popular DApp browsers include MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Coinbase Wallet and Argent.

How to Open a DApp On a Desktop Computer

There are several DApp browsers that can be used to access DApps on a desktop.

MetaMask: MetaMask is one of the most popular DApp browsers. It uses a browser extension to enable easy interaction with DApps on a desktop. Browser extensions are available for Chrome, Firefox, Brave and Edge. It is also available on browsers like...........

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