Welcome to our ‘Web 3.0, Layer 1 and Layer 2’ series. This article will guide you through the brief history of the internet.

Web 1.0 (1989-2005) is also called ‘static web’, which is ‘read-only’ and decentralised. Web 2.0 (2005-present) is interactive but centralised. Web 3.0 (future) will be more human-like and return to the decentralised structure, thus improving data privacy and security.
Bitcoin provides a feasible direction to build web 3.0; Ethereum made a real example for dWeb: It allows users to write codes on the blockchain so that Dapps can be built upon. Blockchain shows the potential to decentralise the data structure of the current centralised system.
Decentralised applications (Dapps) are digital applications or programs run on a blockchain or P2P network of computers instead of a single computer/a single organisation. Compared to Apps, Dapps don’t need centralised servers.
Decentralised finance (DeFi) experienced dramatic growth in the second half of 2020 and dominates Dapp, especially in terms of transaction volume.
Ethereum used to be the main platform for Dapps to build upon, with the most Dapps and a large ecosystem. However, its dominant position is challenged by a new competitor: Binance Smart Chain (BSC).

Read the full version of the A Brief History of the Internet.