Foreword

The resources for learning Web3 are too fragmented. I hope to organize and summarize my Web3 study notes to systematically and structurally build my knowledge system. Otherwise, I always feel like I know something but then forget it again without realizing why.

A few years ago, when everyone was talking about Web3.0, I felt confused. Coupled with the 'cutting leeks' behavior in the crypto space, the feedback I received from people around me was mostly negative. Either they dismissed Web3.0 altogether, equated it with cryptocurrency speculation, or confidently discussed it based solely on information from news media. Very few people actually discussed it from a technical perspective.

What is Web3

Web3 is an umbrella term for technologies like blockchain that decentralize data ownership and control on the internet. Most internet applications are controlled by centralized entities that determine how they save and use end-user data. Instead of centralized management structures, Web3 (also called Web 3.0, decentralized web, or semantic web) technologies allow for community-driven projects. In these projects, end users control data, determine pricing, directly contribute to technical development, and have a more significant say in a project's direction. The technologies have mechanisms that automatically regulate how users interact with one another. So, there’s no requirement for a centralized entity to govern those interactions[1].

How did the Web evolve

Tim Berners-Lee's invention of the World Wide Web is truly remarkable.

The following is a summary of an article describing the stages of Web development [2].

Web1.0 (Static Internet)

Time Period: Early 1990s to early 2000s

Main Characteristics:

• Static Websites: Fixed content; users could only browse without interaction.
• One-Way Information Flow: Information flowed in one direction, from websites to users.
• Technological Basis: HTML, HTTP protocols, static website hosting.
• Typical Examples: Early portal websites (e.g., Yahoo, Netscape).
• User Role: Passive information receivers.

Web2.0 (Interactive Internet)

Time Period: Mid-2000s to present

Main Characteristics:

• Dynamic Content: Website content updates in real time based on user interaction.
• User-Generated Content (UGC): Users can create and share content (e.g., social media).
• Social Networks and Communities: Fostered user interaction and collaboration.
• Technological Basis: AJAX, JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3.
• Typical Examples: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube.
• User Role: Both creators and consumers of content.

Web3.0 (Semantic Internet)

Time Period: Mid-2010s to present (still evolving)

Main Characteristics:

• Semantics and Intelligence: Understands the meaning of content through semantic technologies, improving search accuracy.
• Decentralization: Based on blockchain technology, data is no longer entirely reliant on centralized servers.
• User Data Ownership: Users can control and protect their own data.
• Technological Basis: Blockchain, smart contracts, semantic web technologies.
• Typical Examples: Ethereum, IPFS, decentralized applications (dApps).
• User Role: Owners of content and controllers of data.

Web4.0 (Intelligent Internet)

Time Period: Future development direction (currently in theoretical stage)

Main Characteristics:

• AI-Driven: Highly intelligent, with AI deeply involved in content generation and service interactions.
• Seamless Human-Machine Collaboration: Seamless integration between humans, devices, and environments through IoT and 5G technologies.
• Personalized Experiences: Provides ultra-personalized, real-time responsive services tailored to user needs.
• Ubiquitous Computing: Information and services are everywhere, bridging virtual and physical realities.
• Technological Basis: Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, edge computing, augmented reality (AR)/virtual reality (VR).
• Potential Examples: Metaverse, smart cities.

Summary

I believe that with every technological innovation, different needs are met. The same goes for Web3.