Entering the realm of web3 can appear daunting at first. Over the last few years, web3 has been gaining considerable attention across social media and news platforms, with many touting it as the next phase of the internet. Notably, public figures and technology leaders have expressed beliefs that web3 will revolutionize users' online experiences. Transitioning from web2 to web3 without a thorough understanding of web3 protocols and their functions can be a challenging endeavor for web2 developers. Concepts like interoperability, smart contracts, and decentralization may require time to grasp, adding to potential confusion due to the vast array of web3 protocols within the technology stack.

Web3 technologies, including blockchain and decentralized networks, offer promising prospects for shaping the future of the internet. Delving into an exploration of web3 principles sheds light on how these technologies can facilitate enhanced interoperability, privacy, and security benefits. Moreover, web3 opens avenues for creating applications previously deemed unachievable. Let's dive deeper into the significance of web3 protocols and their pivotal role in web3 development.

For beginners, understanding web3 necessitates moving beyond associating it solely with blockchain technology. While blockchain serves as a vital component of web3, viewing it as the database equivalent in web3, akin to web2 applications, is crucial. In essence, web3 encapsulates the entire internet ecosystem, highlighting the necessity for a comprehensive grasp of web3 fundamentals. Reflecting on the internet's evolution unveils the rationale behind web3's significance, progressing from the static information-sharing focus of web1 to the interactive landscape of the social web in web2, and finally, to the transformative possibilities envisaged by web3.

Protocols form an essential part of web3, being defined as a set of rules within a network to govern operations. In the decentralized domain of web3, high-value transactions involving digital assets and cryptocurrencies underscore the importance of protocols in ensuring security, privacy, and functionality. Web3 protocols, encompassing peer-to-peer networks, decentralized file storage, blockchain, and other technologies, facilitate decentralized data sharing and communication, underscoring their pivotal role in powering the decentralized web and upholding core principles like interoperability and security.

Within the web3 stack, various types of protocols cater to different layers, such as the network layer, blockchain interaction layer, presentation layer, and dApp layer. As the roster of web3 protocols continues to expand rapidly, understanding key categories becomes imperative. APIs, front-end protocols, development environment protocols, identity protocols, storage protocols, and network layer protocols collectively contribute to the web3 ecosystem, each serving distinct functions and addressing specific needs to sustain the decentralized internet landscape.

Navigating the array of web3 protocols and comprehending their functions can be daunting given the multitude of existing protocols. Categorizing web3 protocols per layer within the web3 tech stack provides clarity on their roles and contributions. The network layer, serving as the foundation for web3 development, supports the creation of decentralized applications within trustless and permissionless environments, akin to centralized servers and databases in web2. EVM and Non-EVM blockchains constitute common platforms at the network layer, offering distinct advantages and use cases for developers venturing into dApp creation.

Among EVM blockchains, Ethereum Virtual Machine compatibility empowers developers with robust infrastructure for smart contract execution, storage, and other critical tasks. Noteworthy examples such as Ethereum, Polygon, Cronos, and Avalanche exemplify EVM blockchain prowess, each offering distinctive features and functionalities. On the other hand, non-EVM blockchains present innovative solutions to address scalability and transaction fee concerns encountered in EVM environments, with platforms like Solana, Flow, and Terra showcasing enhanced data scalability and transaction speeds.

Interacting with blockchains at the blockchain interaction layer, known as Layer 2, enables users to read and write data to their chosen blockchain, emphasizing the importance of scalability and decentralization. Layer 2 protocols, including optimistic and zero-knowledge rollups, offer solutions that enhance scalability without compromising core blockchain attributes. The presentation layer, vital for ensuring user accessibility to web3 applications, utilizes interfaces like React.js alongside web3 native libraries like Web3.js and Ethers.js, facilitating user-friendly interactions with decentralized applications.

Decentralized file storage protocols like IPFS and Filecoin represent critical components of the web3 landscape by ensuring secure and scalable storage solutions for users, especially for large files like images and videos. IPFS employs a distributed file storage system encouraging decentralized sharing and access to files, while Filecoin incentivizes storage space rental in exchange for cryptocurrencies, revolutionizing conventional storage paradigms in decentralized networks. In conclusion, exploring the realm of web3 through its protocols unveils a dynamic and evolving landscape brimming with possibilities and innovative solutions to redefine the internet experience.