Battle of the Docs: Intro to dApps
Week 1: Assignment 3
One day I decided to solve a problem that was plaguing us at work. I wanted to make something to streamline our resources and make it easier for use to do our job. I figured that there had to be something online for us to use. I fell down a rabbit hole and I loved it. So much so that I ended up building the solution myself.
Assignment:
Task 1:
If you haven’t already, register for this cohort by joining our Discord.
Check out how to earn points:
Task 2:
Prepare by familiarizing yourself with these key terms. I’ve broken them down into simple analogies to help you out! Be sure to take the quiz at the end when you are ready.
Key Terms to Know:
dApp (Decentralized Application)
A dApp is an application built on a blockchain network that operates without a central authority. Unlike traditional apps, which rely on a centralized server, dApps run on a decentralized network of nodes, making them resistant to censorship and downtime.
Analogy: Imagine a dApp like a public park where anyone can come and go without needing permission from a single gatekeeper, compared to a private amusement park that controls who enters and how it operates.
Deterministic
In the context of blockchain, deterministic means that given the same inputs, a function or smart contract will always produce the same output. This predictability is crucial for ensuring consistency and reliability across the network.
Analogy: Think of a deterministic function as a baking recipe—if you follow the recipe exactly every time, you’ll always get the same type of cookie, no matter who’s doing the baking.
Turing Complete
A Turing complete system is one that can solve any computational problem given enough time and resources. Ethereum’s EVM is considered Turing complete, allowing it to execute complex code for dApps and smart contracts.
Analogy: A Turing complete system is like a programmable robot that can be given any instruction set, enabling it to perform a limitless variety of tasks, as opposed to a simple calculator that can only do arithmetic.
Resistance to Censorship
Resistance to censorship means that no central authority can restrict or block access to a system, transactions, or data. In Ethereum, this quality ensures that applications and transactions remain accessible and cannot be arbitrarily controlled or shut down.
Analogy: Think of a peer-to-peer file-sharing network that anyone can join, compared to a streaming service that can remove content whenever it chooses.
Scaling
Scaling refers to a blockchain’s ability to handle an increasing number of transactions and users without compromising performance. This often involves solutions like sharding, layer-2 protocols, or increasing block size.
Analogy: Scaling a blockchain is like expanding a city’s infrastructure—building new roads, adding public transportation, or widening existing streets—to accommodate a growing population without causing traffic jams.
Task 3:
Read the official "Introduction to dApps" section here.
Task 4:
Now, it’s time to talk about what we’ve learned. You can join the discussion here.
