Centralized and decentralized apps, often abbreviated as “dApps,” are two different approaches to application development within the context of blockchain technology.
There are four types or we can say four levels of these technologies.
1. Centralized Apps (cApps)
In Centralized apps, Everything is working on one server. Centralized Apps are based on Web apps and are made of two things: back end and the Front end. These apps can be customized at any time as per need. Runs on a server system operated by an organization. Those who own these apps have full control over them. Apps are fully centralized but it is much easier to upgrade a centralized app than dApps. Require lower computing power. Centralized apps store data in a centralized database managed by the central server. This database contains information such as user profiles, messages, transactions, and any other relevant data needed for the app’s functionality.
2. Semi-Centralized:
Semi-centralized apps strike a balance between centralized and decentralized. When we connect a Centralized app with a Decentralized wallet then we can call it a Semi-Centralized App. But despite it, all the controls remain customized like a Centralized App. Other things are the same such as centralized apps.
Connecting a decentralized wallet like Metamask or Trust Wallet to a Centralized application involves integrating the wallet’s functionality into the app.
When users connect their wallet to a centralized app, they grant the app access to interact with their wallet to perform specific actions, such as making transactions or interacting with blockchain-based features.
3. Decentralized Apps (dApps)
Decentralized Apps run on a decentralized peer-to-peer (P2P) network that is based on Blockchain, and distributed across a network of Servers. dApps operate without a single point of control. They utilize smart contracts.
These smart contracts run on the blockchain and enable the automation of processes without the need for intermediaries. These smart contracts can be owned but can not be customized and the owner has no control over any kind of changes. A Structure built with smart contracts is Immutable, unchanging over time, or unable to be changed. Users can make dApps with decentralized technology.
Dapp uses Smart contracts for self-executing agreements with the terms of the contract directly written into code. These contracts automatically execute actions when predefined conditions are met.
4. Semi-Decentralized:
Semi Decentralised Applications provide a typical web or mobile application that fully abstracts blockchain and smart contract interactions. In a Semi-dApp, Smart Contract technology is used for some functions that might be changed later as per need. These smart contracts can be owned and some features might be customized and only the owner has control over specific changes. But the changes we do in this kind of dApps are completely transparent, the changes that happened in the back/front end always remain publicly visible. Overall all the functionality & features are similar to Decentralized Apps.