Recently, the opinion that the current Web 2.0 version of the Internet is outdated has started to gain traction. People are complaining that corporations collect personal data and know too much about their users. In our last blog article, we discussed the main differences between Web 1.0, Web 2.0 and Web 3.0.
IT industry leaders offer their ideas for shaping Web 3.0, a decentralised version of the Internet that shifts power to users. Most likely, we will witness a global restructuring of the web, but we need to be ready for it. In this article, the experts at Grapherex put together the most important concepts and the best resources for Web3 learning.
Why Does Web3 Make a Difference?
Compared to its predecessors, Web 3.0 will have significant advantages. The third generation of the web allows us to actually own our personal data and any content we produce. Let’s list some of the benefits:
- Firstly, users will retain ownership of their data, protecting their online creations from monetisation by large companies.
- Secondly, it will eliminate the control of companies over online content, ensuring unbiased access to information. In Web 3.0, censorship will disappear.
- Finally, Web 3.0 promotes a democratic Internet. It will enable direct user interaction without reliance on third parties. Decentralisation is the fundamental feature of Web 3.0.
The benefits listed above are only a small part of what Web 3.0 has to offer. It all sounds tempting, but it’s not 100% clear yet. And here we come to Web3 Education.
How to Get Started with Web3
Mastering a new technology like Web 3.0 can be a challenge, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. You could discover underlying technologies, consult with web developers, read specialised articles, or watch YouTube videos.
No matter which path you choose, it is the dedication of time and effort to the learning process that will ultimately make you knowledgeable. But to make it easier for you to decide on where to begin, we’ve put together a list of key concepts and free resources that will help you learn more about Web 3.0.
What You Need to Learn About Web 3.0.
There are key areas that you need to explore in this sphere. You will need to be familiar with blockchain technology, decentralised networks, smart contracts, cryptocurrency, and decentralised applications (dApps).
Decentralisation
Decentralisation is the distribution of power, control, and decision-making across a network. It is opposed to centralisation with its concentration of power in a central governing body. Decentralisation promotes a democratic and sustainable environment where multiple actors have equal rights. By reducing dependence on intermediaries, it promotes transparency and user autonomy.
Blockchain
This is a promising and frequently discussed technology. Blockchain is a digital ledger that is decentralised, distributed, and often public. It consists of records called blocks and is used to record transactions across multiple computers.
No block can be modified without all subsequent blocks also being modified. Thanks to this, participants can independently verify and validate transactions. Any kind of information can be put into blocks, including text data, documents, pictures, and even money. The most popular blockchain platforms are Ethereum, Bitcoin, Polygon, and Solana.
Smart Contracts
A smart contract is a code with predefined rules and conditions. Contracts are stored and executed on a blockchain platform. The code automatically enforces the terms of the agreement, eliminating the need for intermediaries. This increases trust and transparency. Smart contracts facilitate and automate a broad range of digital transactions. They ensure that all parties involved adhere to the agreed terms.
Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency is a form of digital currency. It is accounted for by a decentralised payment system operating in a fully automatic mode. Cryptocurrency is based on blockchain technology.
Crypto is extremely popular today because transactions are fast, simple, and peer-to-peer (without the involvement of banks). There are more than 20 thousand cryptocurrencies, and this number is constantly growing. The most famous examples are Bitcoin, Ether, Tron, and Solana.
Decentralised Applications
These are applications that are built on blockchain networks. Thanks to the decentralisation that underpins blockchain, as well as the smart contracts that guarantee an app’s operation, such software has enormous potential. Today, the most popular applications are based on Ethereum. There are several types of DApps, including exchanges, investment apps, marketplaces, games, and betting platforms.
At Grapherex, we recommend following the news related to Web 3.0 protocols and standards as this technology continues to evolve rapidly. Continuous learning and practice will help you stay ahead of the curve.
Top Six Resources for Web3 Education
There are lots of great resources you can use to learn Web 3.0, and the hardest part is picking one or two and not getting confused. Below we list some of the best resources and briefly describe what you can find there.
- Bankless
The Bankless ecosystem is at the forefront of educating people about Web 3.0. Content makers offer great materials covering almost all areas of cryptocurrency. Thanks to this successful format, even novice researchers can build a solid foundation of knowledge. A great place to start is the Bankless: Episodes 1–8 podcast.
- Blockchain at Berkeley
At UC Berkeley, you can find a great student-run organisation focused on blockchain innovation. They are into education, research, and consulting. The organisation offers a free course for anyone who wants to learn more about blockchain.
- Whiteboard Crypto
Web 3.0 education is simple and accessible, think the creators of Whiteboard Crypto. Through analogies and stories, they make complex crypto concepts understandable. Their YouTube channel offers videos explaining various aspects of cryptocurrencies — DeFi, blockchains, code forks, NFTs, and consensus mechanisms. If you’re starting your journey into Web 3.0, this channel is right for you.
- CryptoZombies
CryptoZombies is a school that teaches enthusiasts to actually work with blockchain networks. It provides technical insights into its operation. There you can learn how to create smart contracts on Solidity or Libra by making your own cryptocurrency game.
- CryptoDevHub
CryptoDevHub provides users with blockchain development and crypto technology guides. This platform is a must for those who want more information. On the pages of the platform, you will find courses, articles and tutorials of varying complexity that will help you navigate the crypto space. There are also blockchain development libraries and tools.
- Ethereum Blog and Etherscan
A great way to start learning about Web 3.0 is to reach out to industry leaders. The Ethereum network plays a huge role in the formation of the Web 3.0 version of the Internet. You can find articles and guides on the Ethereum website. You may like Etherscan, an organisation that provides human-readable blockchain data. This simple consumer-orientated tool is a must-use.
A bonus option: Learn Web3 with our modern financial ecosystem — explore the Grapherex platform.
