What are dapps?

Let's see what dapps are

Dapps might feel like regular apps. But behind the scenes they have some special qualities because they inherit all of Cardano’s superpowers. Here's what makes dapps different from apps:

Once deployed to Cardano, dapp code can’t be taken down. And anyone can use the dapp’s features. Even if the team behind the dapp disbanded you could still use it. Once on Cardano, always on Cardano.

How dapps actually work

Dapps have their backend code (smart contracts) running on a decentralized network and not a centralized server. They use the Cardano blockchain for data storage and smart contracts for their app logic.

Smart contracts

A smart contract is like a set of rules that live on-chain for all to see and run exactly according to those rules. Imagine a vending machine: if you supply it with enough funds and the right selection, you'll get the item you want. And like vending machines, smart contracts can hold funds much like your Cardano account. This allows code to mediate agreements and transactions.

Verified on-chain

Once dapps are deployed on the Cardano network you can't change them. Dapps can be decentralized because they are controlled by the logic written into the contract, not an individual or a company.