My first day at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology office for the internship in the architecture of web3 and the first question I faced was, "What is the difference between web3 and web3.0?" Well, honestly I was not able to provide a satisfactory answer and could see that. I was asked to start by studying this fundamental topic.
So here I'm, well clarified and explaining the topic to you. In one line answer:
Web3.0 is a Semantic web
Web3 is a Decentralized web
Didn't get it? cool, let's see it in detail.
Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 are the two primary phases that have defined the Internet's evolution. However, we are now transitioning into a new phase, which is characterized by two distinct terminologies: Web3 and Web 3.0.
Web1.0 and Web2.0: A Brief Overview
Web 1.0, the first version of the World Wide Web, was created by Tim Berners-Lee in 1989 and remained dominant until 2004. Commonly known as the read-only web, websites during this period primarily contained static information without interactive features or design elements. They relied on hyperlinks for connectivity and did not support the uploading or attaching of images. Moreover, communication was limited to text-based emails, with no option for including images. Isn't it boring, right? Some of the most popular websites during the Web 1.0 era were news sites such as CNN and the New York Times.
These are snapshots of CNN and the New York Times what they look like when they were younger in their good old days of Web1.0. Just don't start playing with Wayback Machine, this article is still left.
CNN: https://web.archive.org/web/20000815052826/http://www.cnn.com/
New York Times: https://web.archive.org/web/20001018072510/https://newyorktimes.com/
Web 2.0, often referred to as the second generation of the web, emerged in 2004 and remains the dominant form of the internet today. It represents a significant advancement over Web 1.0 by introducing interactive elements and allowing users to actively engage with websites. Unlike the one-way communication of its predecessor, Web 2.0 enables users to contribute their own content, resulting in improved usability and enhanced interaction among users. This shift has transformed the web into a participatory social platform. This led to the development of social media platforms like Facebook, Youtube, and Discord where users can also interact and contribute content.
The Emergence of Web3 and Web 3.0
Web3 and Web 3.0 are two terminologies that have emerged as we transition into the next phase of the internet's evolution. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they are fundamentally different. Web3 refers to the decentralized and blockchain-based web, while Web 3.0 refers to the semantic or linked web.
Web3: The Decentralized and Blockchain-based Web
Web3, also known as the decentralized web, is a concept that was first introduced by Gavin Wood, the co-founder of Ethereum, in 2014. It is focused on creating a more decentralized and secure internet by giving users more control over their data and identity.
One of the key features of Web3 is that it uses blockchain technology to create a decentralized system. Blockchain enables users to interact directly with each other and the content they are accessing without the need for intermediaries. This eliminates the need for centralized servers or data centers, making it more secure and private. Imagine your control over your data instead of Google or Meta. The core idea of web3 is to fight the centralized power and dominance of a handful of Web2 giants like the ones I mentioned.
Web3 also introduces the concept of micropayments or microtransactions. With smart contracts, users can facilitate direct transactions with each other without the need for third-party payment processors. This enables faster and more efficient online interactions.
Web 3.0: The Semantic or Linked Web
Web 3.0, also known as the semantic web, is a concept that was first proposed by Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web. It refers to a new way of organizing data on the internet, taking advantage of its structure and making it easier for users to access information quickly and efficiently. Web 3.0 aims to make the internet more intelligent by leveraging artificial intelligence systems to process information in a manner similar to human intelligence.
Tim Berners-Lee, the creator of the World Wide Web, envisions a web where all data is interconnected at its core, aiming to unleash its full potential.
Currently, the internet primarily consists of links between documents rather than connecting raw data or facts. This leads to the existence of information silos. For instance, if you update your job information on LinkedIn, it does not automatically reflect on your Facebook profile due to the lack of linkage. He believed that with the advent of the semantic web, everyday tasks such as commerce, administration, and personal activities would be automated through machine-to-machine interactions.
One of the core features of Web 3.0 is that it uses a central place called the Solid pod to store all user data. This enables users to handle third-party access to their data while also ensuring that they retain control over their data and identity. The Solid pods issue a unique WebID for users that act as an identity within the ecosystem.
An example of implementing this approach is being explored by the data utility company of the Flemish Government (datanutsbedrijf), focusing on the citizens of Flanders.
Differences Yet Similar
While Web3 and Web 3.0 share a common goal of creating a better internet, there are fundamental differences between the two.
Ideology
Web 3.0 is focused on continuing the evolution of the web, making it more interconnected and accessible. It aims to make web content more machine-readable and focuses on efficiency and intelligence. In contrast, Web3 is focused on decentralization and security of the internet, giving users more control over their data and identity.
Distribution Model
Web 3.0 takes advantage of the existing client/server distribution model, while Web3 uses a decentralized, peer-to-peer distribution model for information dissemination.
Protocols
Web 3.0 advances the existing HTTP/HTTPS protocol to enable better data interchange, while Web3 adopts a new blockchain-based protocol to decentralize data interchange.
Web3 and Web3.0, though their focus is different, their method somewhat similar: both want users to have more control over their data. In the case of the semantic web, this data is kept in a Solid pod. In the case of Web3, it is kept in a crypto wallet.
The Future of the Internet
Web3 and Web 3.0 represent unique perspectives on the evolution of the internet. While Web3 uses disruptive technologies such as blockchain to enhance the internet's capabilities, Web 3.0 focuses on improving the existing online system. Both concepts aim to create a more interconnected and user-centric online world.
As we continue to transition into the next phase of the internet's evolution, we can expect to see more innovations and technologies that will shape the future of the internet. Whether it's through the use of blockchain, artificial intelligence, or other emerging technologies, the Internet is poised to become more efficient, decentralized, secure, and user-friendly.
Conclusion
Web3 and Web 3.0 are two distinct terminologies that represent the next phase of the internet's evolution. While they share a common goal of creating a better internet, they differ in their ideology, distribution model, and protocols. As we continue to explore and experiment with these new technologies, there will be a wealth of opportunities for us to benefit from their capabilities in exciting new ways. Whether you're a developer looking to create something entirely new or an everyday user interested in exploring the possibilities of the decentralized web, now is the time to start learning about Web3 and Web 3.0.