Explore the universe of Web3 protocols and find the one that's right for your project. When you're ready to start building, head to our Web3 Infrastructure page for free Web3 endpoints.
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The number one reason anyone would want to build on a Web3 protocol is the distributed nature of the technology. Put simply, Web3 protocols are secure, decentralized databases designed to prevent bad actors from posting false data or attacking the network.
There are two types of applications that use Web3 protocols. Decentralized applications (dApps) run exclusively on Web3 protocols, for example, the Ethereum Network. Multiweb applications (mApps) integrate Web3 protocols into Web2 business software, for example, Bitcoin and QuickBooks.
Whether you’re a hobbyist, an entrepreneur, or an enterprise; the use cases for Web3 protocols are only limited by our imaginations.
There are several lines that can be drawn to distinguish between protocols:
Stated use case
Smart contracts (or lack thereof)
Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility
Layer 1 vs Layer 2 protocols
The differences are many and extend beyond this list. There are dozens of protocols out there with their own unique characteristics. Choosing the right protocol(s) for the job is crucial, and selection tools like these can help narrow the list of viable options.
While not an all-inclusive list, these are among the most important factors for a Web3 developer to consider when choosing a protocol for their application:
User & Developer Activity
Web2 Integration Requirements (If applicable)
Every project is unique, so you want to do it justice by selecting the correct protocol(s). It is important for Web3 developers to be familiar with these concepts to make the best decisions possible for their applications and their users.
One of the very first things you'll need is a Web3 infrastructure provider. BlockSpaces offers both free and premium infrastructure for over 30 protocols, which you can find here.
For more hands-on education content:
Here is a great cheat sheet to learn blockchain development on Medium.
Dapp University and Free Code Camp have great YouTube channels for beginners!
Hardhat and Solidity By Example are useful resources to learn Solidity (EVM Smart contracts).