Dev Diaries - Shivam

A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started with Web 3

Shivam Goswami's photo
Shivam Goswami
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6 min read

A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started with Web 3

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Table of contents

Hey there! So, you’ve been hearing a lot about Web 3, crypto, blockchain, and all the cool things that are happening around these buzzwords. But what exactly is Web 3, and how can you get started with it as a beginner? Don't worry — I’ve got you covered. In this blog, I'll break down the basics of Web 3 in simple terms, help you understand the technology behind it, and guide you on how you can start building in the space.

Let’s dive in and demystify Web 3 for you!

What is Web 3?

First, let’s understand what Web 3 really is. To put it simply:

  • Web 1.0 was the era of static websites, where information flowed one way — from the web to the users.

  • Web 2.0 brought in dynamic content and user-generated platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. This was when social networks and apps took over.

  • Web 3.0, or Web 3, is the next evolution. It’s all about decentralized applications (dApps) running on blockchains rather than centralized platforms like Google, Facebook, or Amazon.

At its core, Web 3 gives the internet back to the users. Instead of tech giants owning your data, you own your data. Web 3 is built using technologies like blockchain, smart contracts, and decentralized apps (dApps).

Why is Web 3 important?

In Web 3, control is decentralized. This means no single entity (like a company or government) has control over your data or the platform. You, as a user, have more privacy, control, and ownership over your digital assets.

Think of it like this: Imagine using social media where you own the platform and the content you create, instead of it being owned by Facebook or Twitter. With Web 3, this is possible using blockchain technology.

Key Technologies Behind Web 3

To better understand how to get started, it’s important to know the foundational technologies behind Web 3. Don’t worry, I’ll explain these in a simple way:

1. Blockchain

Blockchain is a distributed ledger system. Think of it as a chain of blocks (digital pieces of information), and these blocks are linked together using cryptography. Each block stores information like transactions, contracts, or other important data.

Why does it matter? Blockchain enables trust without the need for middlemen. Since every transaction on a blockchain is publicly recorded and verified by a network of computers (nodes), it’s nearly impossible to alter or tamper with the data.

Here’s a basic visual to help:

Block 1  -->  Block 2  -->  Block 3  -->  Block 4

Each block is connected to the one before it, making it very secure.

2. Smart Contracts

Smart contracts are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code. They run on a blockchain, and when conditions are met, the contract automatically executes without needing a middleman.

Example: Let’s say you’re buying a car. In Web 2.0, you would use a bank or escrow service to facilitate the transaction. In Web 3, a smart contract can handle this — it releases the car’s ownership to you when the payment is made, and all this happens automatically without third-party involvement.

Here’s a tiny code snippet of how a simple smart contract might look in Solidity (the programming language used for Ethereum):

// SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT
pragma solidity ^0.8.0;

contract SimpleStorage {
    uint public storedData;

    function set(uint x) public {
        storedData = x;
    }

    function get() public view returns (uint) {
        return storedData;
    }
}

This is just a simple smart contract where you can set and get a number (for example, your data).

3. Decentralized Applications (dApps)

dApps are applications that run on a blockchain rather than a centralized server. They’re open-source, and anyone can interact with them. A popular example of a dApp is Uniswap, a decentralized exchange that allows users to swap cryptocurrencies directly without relying on a middleman (like Coinbase or Binance).

How to Get Started with Web 3 as a Beginner

Now that you know the basics, let’s talk about how you can get your feet wet in the Web 3 world.

1. Learn the Basics of Blockchain

Before diving into Web 3, it’s helpful to understand how blockchain works. There are plenty of beginner-friendly resources available online. Here are some good starting points:

  • YouTube tutorials on blockchain technology

  • Blockchain developer courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or freeCodeCamp

  • Ethereum Documentation (for developers)

2. Set Up a Web 3 Wallet

To start interacting with Web 3 applications, you’ll need a Web 3 wallet. A wallet allows you to store, send, and receive cryptocurrencies and other assets on the blockchain. One of the most popular wallets is MetaMask.

Here’s how you can get started:

  1. Download MetaMask as a browser extension (it’s available for Chrome, Firefox, and Brave).

  2. Create a wallet by following the on-screen instructions.

  3. You’ll get a seed phrase — this is super important. Write it down and keep it safe; it's the only way to recover your wallet if you forget your password.

Once MetaMask is set up, you can interact with dApps, send crypto, or even deploy smart contracts.

3. Explore dApps and NFT Marketplaces

One of the best ways to understand Web 3 is to explore and interact with real-world decentralized applications. Here are some examples of Web 3 dApps you can check out:

  • Uniswap: A decentralized exchange for trading cryptocurrencies.

  • OpenSea: The largest NFT marketplace where you can buy and sell digital art and collectibles.

  • Aave: A decentralized finance (DeFi) platform where you can lend or borrow crypto.

Simply visit these platforms and connect your MetaMask wallet to start exploring!

4. Learn Solidity (For Developers)

If you’re a developer, the next step would be to start learning Solidity, the language for writing smart contracts on Ethereum. Solidity is pretty similar to JavaScript, so if you already have some basic coding experience, you’ll feel at home.

Here’s a basic "Hello World" smart contract in Solidity:

// SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT
pragma solidity ^0.8.0;

contract HelloWorld {
    string public greet = "Hello, Web 3!";
}

This contract simply stores a greeting message that can be read on the blockchain.

5. Contribute to Web 3 Communities

Web 3 is all about community. There are several Web 3 developer and enthusiast communities you can join to stay updated and learn from others. Some great places to start:

  • Discord servers like "ETHGlobal" or "Web3.js".

  • Reddit communities like r/ethereum or r/CryptoDev.

  • Twitter: Follow influencers and developers in the space to get news and updates.

What’s Next?

Once you’ve explored dApps, set up a wallet, and learned the basics of blockchain, you can start diving deeper into Web 3 technologies. You can also start building your own decentralized applications and smart contracts!

Some cool areas to explore next:

  • Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Lending, borrowing, trading on decentralized platforms.

  • NFTs: Digital art, collectibles, and the creator economy.

  • DAOs: Decentralized Autonomous Organizations that allow for collective decision-making without a central authority.

Final Thoughts

Web 3 is still in its early stages, but it’s growing fast. There’s a lot of opportunity for developers, creators, and users to dive in and contribute to the future of the internet. Whether you want to build your own dApp, trade NFTs, or learn more about blockchain, Web 3 is the perfect space to start exploring and experimenting.

Remember, this is a learning journey, so take your time to understand each concept, try out some dApps, and eventually, who knows — you might create the next big Web 3 project!

Happy learning and welcome to the world of Web 3!

Web3