Decentralized applications (DApps) are becoming more popular in the technology space due to their functionality, reliability and security. Smart contracts power DApps, and they run on a blockchain. They represent the next phase of applications and constitute a core component of Web 3.0.
Unlike traditional or centralized applications that are stored on a single server, DApps are maintained through a distributed network of nodes, which operate independently. DApp activities are recorded in public accounts and are visible to everyone.
Here are six of the best blockchains for building a DApp.
1. Ethereum
Ethereum is one of the most established and leading decentralized blockchains. It is currently the number one blockchain for building DApps. Ethereum offers rapid application scaling and support for smart contracts. Ethereum provides DApp developers with dedicated software for building DApps, including its custom programming language called Solidity and the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). These software tools form the building blocks for systematic and well-structured DApp development.
Blockchain developers on Ethereum can create different types of DApps, such as different types of digital currency, web applications that do not have a single owner, and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs).
Currently, thousands of decentralized applications are available on Ethereum. Some of the most popular include Uniswap, a decentralized cryptocurrency exchange; OpenSea, a marketplace for non-fungible tokens (NFTs); and Axie Infinity, a virtual gaming universe.
Ethereum also has a burgeoning community of developers who are always sharing ideas and helping to create decentralized applications. Developers in the Ethereum ecosystem help build DApps related to cryptocurrency wallets, gaming, finance, and much more.
2. Solana
Solana is a next-generation high-performance public blockchain. An exciting feature of the blockchain is that it is written in C++ and Rust. This makes the learning curve for developers much shorter, as they do not need to learn a new programming language to start building decentralized applications on the blockchain immediately.
Solana offers a secure and highly scalable infrastructure necessary for decentralized applications. It utilizes innovative computing systems that can support thousands of nodes, allowing transaction speeds to scale proportionally with network bandwidth.
Speed is key for decentralized applications, and Solana claims to support up to 50,000 transactions per second (TPS), making it one of the fastest blockchains for decentralized applications.
Raydium, a top-ranked decentralized exchange, and Magic Eden, a leading marketplace for NFTs, are examples of the best DApps built on Solana.
3. EOS
EOS is one of the most efficient blockchains for decentralized applications. It is considered a direct competitor to Ethereum, as it supports certain features that are not available on Ethereum. It provides developers with an all-in-one platform for application hosting, smart contract execution and enterprise solutions.
The EOS platform uses WebAssembly to compile smart contracts and supports the main programming languages for building DApps, including Solidity, Python and Rust. Key benefits of building on EOS include: Low transaction fees, an efficient error recovery system, innovative smart contract implementation, and various plug-ins to integrate data from the blockchain with other systems.
EOS also offers blockchain developers custom templates that significantly reduce the time it takes to build DApps. This makes it a very attractive blockchain for developers to build decentralized applications.
4. Throne
Tron is a decentralized public blockchain that is considered the blockchain for entertainment DApps. Tron has carved a niche for itself as it was specifically created as a foundation for decentralized entertainment applications.
Tron supports the programming languages JavaScript, Python, C++ and Scala. Tron also offers efficient scalability, cost-effectiveness and a high level of security to end users. It uses the delegated proof of stake consensus algorithm for improved blockchain security. Currently, it is one of the fastest growing public blockchains.
It is one of the best blockchains for content creators, artists and entertainers. Tron enables digital content sharing with built-in security features that limit intellectual property theft. Tron also has its own native cryptocurrency and blockchain explorer.
5. BNB chain
BNB Chain is a public blockchain launched by Binance in 2019. It offers high operability, fast on-chain transactions and smart contract support. BNB Chain is also compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), which means it can run decentralized applications built on Ethereum. This makes the transfer of smart contracts from EVM to BNB Chain quite easy.
BNB Chain’s dual architecture enables the development of DApps on a unified blockchain. Binance actively promotes DApp development on the BNB Chain through a developer fund that supports the creation of innovative decentralized applications to solve problems across multiple industries.
One of the most popular DApps on BNB Chain is PancakeSwap. It is an automated market maker (AMM) that allows fast token exchanges. PancakeSwap claims to be the decentralized platform with the most users ever and $3.7 billion bet on the platform.
6. Polygon
Polygon is a scalability network focused on bridging Ethereum-compatible blockchain networks. Polygon brings together scalable solutions across blockchains to create a multi-chain ecosystem. One of its key strengths is scalability, which makes it another preferred choice for DApp development.
Polygon uses the proof of stake algorithm together with layer-2 scaling solutions. The network benefits from Ethereum’s technology with enhanced capabilities. This allows Polygon to offer low transaction costs, higher throughput and increased development support.
Polygon is popular among blockchain developers because of its unique offerings for DApp development. Developers can use Polygon’s custom software development kit (SDK) to build highly specialized decentralized applications. Polygon currently has over 300+ active DApps, and the ecosystem of developers building DApps on the blockchain continues to grow.
DApps development will continue to grow rapidly
The need for more DApps will continue to grow as blockchain technology continues to become mainstream. Building a DApp will require developers to choose from a multitude of blockchains, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.
Factors such as programming language, functionality, ease of use, and community support will be key determinants in choosing the best blockchain to build upon. At the moment, Ethereum continues to lead the way. However, other blockchains are stepping up with great deals for developers to consider them as the preferred choice for DApp development.
