A decentralized application (dApp) is a software application that operates on a blockchain platform. As with cryptocurrencies, dApps rely on this distributed and decentralized environment. Instead of being isolated inside of a central server or “walled garden,” as with traditional software packages, the underlying resources for dApps are held in a consensus model among stakeholders.

Decentralization means that no single individual or entity has complete control over an app, enabling more users to contribute to its development and limiting censorship. DApps represent another step toward autonomy and open design that is important in the open-source development community.

Companies have created all sorts of decentralized apps, including gaming, finance, and other sorts of functional “dApps.” These applications are transforming application development by offering greater security, transparency, and autonomy.