How to Use
web3 dApps
If you’ve been paying attention to the tech world at all lately, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of web3. It’s a platform that allows developers to build decentralized applications (dApps).
While web3 has been around for a while, it’s only recently that it has gained mainstream attention. This is largely due to the rise in popularity of Ethereum, which is the most popular blockchain platform for building dApps.
In this article, we’ll teach you how to use web3 dApps, walking you all the way through from having no crypto at all to interacting with your first smart contract!
What is a dApp?
So, what exactly is a dApp? A dApp is a decentralized application that runs on a blockchain. The key difference between a dApp and a traditional app is that a dApp is not controlled by any central authority. This means that no single entity can shut it down or censor it.
There are many different use cases for dApps. Some popular examples include DeFi, NFTs, web3 games, decentralized social media platforms, and more.
Create a web3 Wallet
If you’re interested in using dApps, the first step is to create a web3 wallet. This will allow you to interact with the blockchain and store your crypto. Once you have a wallet, you can use it to access dApps.
One of the most popular wallets is MetaMask, which can be used as a browser extension or mobile app.
Another popular option is Trust Wallet, which is a mobile-only wallet that supports a wide range of blockchains.
Discover New dApps
Once you have a wallet, you can use it to access dApps. The easiest way to find dApps is to search for them on a site like State of the dApps or Dapp Radar. These sites list hundreds of different dApps in a variety of categories.
Boba Network has created an easy way to discover dApps on the Boba Network blockchain. Navigate to the Boba Gateway and head to the Ecosystem tab. There you can find a list of live Boba dApps, sorted by category and with links to their verified websites, dApp, and social communities. This helps to make sure you’re not clicking a wrong link and accidentally interacting with a malicious site trying to steal your crypto. Always double check that you’re on the right page!
Use the Boba Gateway to discover new dApps on Boba Network
Add Funds to Your Wallet and Bridge to Different Blockchains
Once you’ve found a dApp you want to use, the next step is to add some crypto to your wallet. The most popular cryptocurrency for interacting with dApps is Ethereum, which is used by the majority of dApps.
If you don’t already have Ethereum in your wallet, you can easily purchase it on an exchange like Coinbase, KuCoin, Huobi, or FTX. Once you have ETH in your wallet, you’re ready to start using dApps!
There are also a number of “fiat on-ramps” which allow you to purchase crypto directly into your wallet without using a centralized exchange! Moonpay and Wyre are two great options.
Don’t forget that Boba is the only chain that offers a dual-gas token option, so you can choose to pay for transactions in ETH or BOBA!
Some dApps may require you to use a blockchain other than Ethereum. In this case, you can use a token bridge to move your ETH to a new blockchain and convert into the required currency. For example, if a dApp requires Boba Token (BOBA), you can use a bridge like Across to bridge ETH from the Ethereum blockchain to the Boba Network blockchain, then swap some ETH to BOBA using an AMM like OolongSwap.
Connect and Use dApps
Now that you have a web3 wallet and some crypto, you’re ready to start using dApps!
The first thing you need to do is connect your wallet to the dApp. Most dApps will have a “connect” button on their homepage. Once you click this, a pop-up window will appear asking you to confirm the connection.
Check out the Connect Wallet button at the top right of the OolongSwap homepage
Once you’re connected, you can start interacting with the dApp. This will vary depending on the dApp, but usually involves clicking around on the page and using various input fields. For example, if you’re using a DeFi lending platform, you may need to deposit some crypto into a smart contract to start earning interest. If you’re playing an NFT game, you may need to purchase some in-game items using crypto.
As you start using dApps, you’ll find that many of them are similar to traditional apps and websites that you’re used to. However, there are some key differences to keep in mind.
Key Differences between web2 and web3 dApps
Because dApps are built on decentralized protocols, they often require users to pay “gas fees” for each transaction. Gas is the term used for transaction fees on the Ethereum blockchain (and other blockchains). These fees go to the miners who process transactions and secure the network.
The amount of gas you’ll need to pay for a transaction depends on a few factors, including the complexity of the transaction and the current gas price. Gas prices can fluctuate depending on network usage, so it’s important to keep an eye on them when using dApps. You can check the current gas prices on ETH Gas Station.
Another key difference between web2 and web3 dApps is that most dApps are open source, which means that anyone can view the code and audit it for security vulnerabilities. This is a big benefit, as it allows users to see exactly how a dApp works and helps to ensure that there are no hidden malicious features.
This also means that malicious parties can find vulnerabilities and exploit them for personal gain. This has happened a number of times in the DeFi space, leading to the loss of millions of dollars worth of crypto. As such, it’s important to be cautious when using dApps and to only use those that you trust. Pay special close attention when connecting to dApps and signing transactions – make sure the action you’re taking is what you expected and you’re interacting with the correct contract!
You can find a list of verified and audited dApps on the Ethereum DApp Directory.
Wrapping Up
Of course, because dApps are still in their early stages, they’re not perfect. There are a number of challenges that need to be addressed before mass adoption can occur. These include scaling issues, UX/UI problems, and a lack of mainstream awareness.
Despite these challenges, the dApp ecosystem is growing at an incredible rate and there’s a lot of excitement around what’s possible with this new technology.
In future Boba Learn articles, we’ll teach you about different kinds of dApps and how to use them, so stay tuned to the Boba Learn page and join our social channels to always be up-to-date.
Have questions? Let us know on Twitter or jump in our Discord, we’re always happy to help!
About Boba Network
Boba Network is a blockchain Layer-2 scaling solution and hybrid compute platform offering lightning fast transactions and fees up to 60x less than Ethereum.
Our Hybrid Compute brings the power of Web2 on-chain, with smarter smart contracts that allow developers and creators to leverage off-chain compute and real-world data to offer an enriched experience unlike anything else on the market today.
We’re delivering a faster, cheaper, smarter experience for blockchain’s next billion users.
How to Use
web3 dApps
If you’ve been paying attention to the tech world at all lately, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of web3. It’s a platform that allows developers to build decentralized applications (dApps).
While web3 has been around for a while, it’s only recently that it has gained mainstream attention. This is largely due to the rise in popularity of Ethereum, which is the most popular blockchain platform for building dApps.
In this article, we’ll teach you how to use web3 dApps, walking you all the way through from having no crypto at all to interacting with your first smart contract!
What is a dApp?
So, what exactly is a dApp? A dApp is a decentralized application that runs on a blockchain. The key difference between a dApp and a traditional app is that a dApp is not controlled by any central authority. This means that no single entity can shut it down or censor it.
There are many different use cases for dApps. Some popular examples include DeFi, NFTs, web3 games, decentralized social media platforms, and more.
Create a web3 Wallet
If you’re interested in using dApps, the first step is to create a web3 wallet. This will allow you to interact with the blockchain and store your crypto. Once you have a wallet, you can use it to access dApps.
One of the most popular wallets is MetaMask, which can be used as a browser extension or mobile app.
Another popular option is Trust Wallet, which is a mobile-only wallet that supports a wide range of blockchains.
Discover New dApps
Once you have a wallet, you can use it to access dApps. The easiest way to find dApps is to search for them on a site like State of the dApps or Dapp Radar. These sites list hundreds of different dApps in a variety of categories.
Boba Network has created an easy way to discover dApps on the Boba Network blockchain. Navigate to the Boba Gateway and head to the Ecosystem tab. There you can find a list of live Boba dApps, sorted by category and with links to their verified websites, dApp, and social communities. This helps to make sure you’re not clicking a wrong link and accidentally interacting with a malicious site trying to steal your crypto. Always double check that you’re on the right page!
Use the Boba Gateway to discover new dApps on Boba Network
Add Funds to Your Wallet and Bridge to Different Blockchains
Once you’ve found a dApp you want to use, the next step is to add some crypto to your wallet. The most popular cryptocurrency for interacting with dApps is Ethereum, which is used by the majority of dApps.
If you don’t already have Ethereum in your wallet, you can easily purchase it on an exchange like Coinbase, KuCoin, Huobi, or FTX. Once you have ETH in your wallet, you’re ready to start using dApps!
There are also a number of “fiat on-ramps” which allow you to purchase crypto directly into your wallet without using a centralized exchange! Moonpay and Wyre are two great options.
Don’t forget that Boba is the only chain that offers a dual-gas token option, so you can choose to pay for transactions in ETH or BOBA!
Some dApps may require you to use a blockchain other than Ethereum. In this case, you can use a token bridge to move your ETH to a new blockchain and convert into the required currency. For example, if a dApp requires Boba Token (BOBA), you can use a bridge like Across to bridge ETH from the Ethereum blockchain to the Boba Network blockchain, then swap some ETH to BOBA using an AMM like OolongSwap.
Connect and Use dApps
Now that you have a web3 wallet and some crypto, you’re ready to start using dApps!
The first thing you need to do is connect your wallet to the dApp. Most dApps will have a “connect” button on their homepage. Once you click this, a pop-up window will appear asking you to confirm the connection.
Check out the Connect Wallet button at the top right of the OolongSwap homepage
Once you’re connected, you can start interacting with the dApp. This will vary depending on the dApp, but usually involves clicking around on the page and using various input fields. For example, if you’re using a DeFi lending platform, you may need to deposit some crypto into a smart contract to start earning interest. If you’re playing an NFT game, you may need to purchase some in-game items using crypto.
As you start using dApps, you’ll find that many of them are similar to traditional apps and websites that you’re used to. However, there are some key differences to keep in mind.
Key Differences between web2 and web3 dApps
Because dApps are built on decentralized protocols, they often require users to pay “gas fees” for each transaction. Gas is the term used for transaction fees on the Ethereum blockchain (and other blockchains). These fees go to the miners who process transactions and secure the network.
The amount of gas you’ll need to pay for a transaction depends on a few factors, including the complexity of the transaction and the current gas price. Gas prices can fluctuate depending on network usage, so it’s important to keep an eye on them when using dApps. You can check the current gas prices on ETH Gas Station.
Another key difference between web2 and web3 dApps is that most dApps are open source, which means that anyone can view the code and audit it for security vulnerabilities. This is a big benefit, as it allows users to see exactly how a dApp works and helps to ensure that there are no hidden malicious features.
This also means that malicious parties can find vulnerabilities and exploit them for personal gain. This has happened a number of times in the DeFi space, leading to the loss of millions of dollars worth of crypto. As such, it’s important to be cautious when using dApps and to only use those that you trust. Pay special close attention when connecting to dApps and signing transactions – make sure the action you’re taking is what you expected and you’re interacting with the correct contract!
You can find a list of verified and audited dApps on the Ethereum DApp Directory.
Wrapping Up
Of course, because dApps are still in their early stages, they’re not perfect. There are a number of challenges that need to be addressed before mass adoption can occur. These include scaling issues, UX/UI problems, and a lack of mainstream awareness.
Despite these challenges, the dApp ecosystem is growing at an incredible rate and there’s a lot of excitement around what’s possible with this new technology.
In future Boba Learn articles, we’ll teach you about different kinds of dApps and how to use them, so stay tuned to the Boba Learn page and join our social channels to always be up-to-date.
Have questions? Let us know on Twitter or jump in our Discord, we’re always happy to help!
About Boba Network
Boba Network is a blockchain Layer-2 scaling solution and hybrid compute platform offering lightning fast transactions and fees up to 60x less than Ethereum.
Our Hybrid Compute brings the power of Web2 on-chain, with smarter smart contracts that allow developers and creators to leverage off-chain compute and real-world data to offer an enriched experience unlike anything else on the market today.
We’re delivering a faster, cheaper, smarter experience for blockchain’s next billion users.
