Ethereum’s advancements in Proof-of-Stake (PoS), Zero-Knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine (ZK-EVM), Peer-to-Peer Data Availability Sampling (PeerDAS), and Layer 2 solutions are collectively making decentralized applications faster, cheaper, and more scalable. These developments are instrumental in bringing the original vision of Web3 to life.
Furthermore, core communication and storage technologies like Waku and decentralized storage systems are now practically viable. This allows for the development of real-world applications, such as Status and Fileverse, that operate without central control.
Fileverse, in particular, exemplifies the "walkaway test," a crucial metric for true user ownership. This means users retain access to their documents and data even if the application itself ceases to exist.
The Decentralized Revival and Ethereum's Foundational Vision
The momentum behind the decentralized revival is growing, with Ethereum cofounder Vitalik Buterin actively encouraging developers to commence building. Buterin asserts that Ethereum's initial 2014 vision—encompassing permissionless applications for finance, social media, ride-sharing, and governance—is now within reach.
He has emphasized that fundamental technologies underpinning this vision, including Ethereum itself, Whisper (now Waku), and Swarm, are more robust than ever. Buterin stated, "All of the prerequisites for the original web3 vision are here, in full force, and are continuing to get stronger over the next few years."
Ethereum's transition to proof-of-stake has significantly enhanced its energy efficiency. Concurrently, technologies like ZK-EVM and PeerDAS are realizing the sharding roadmap, thereby improving Ethereum's scalability and reducing transaction costs. Layer 2 solutions offer additional speed enhancements, empowering decentralized applications to manage complex operations with greater efficiency. Beyond speed and scalability, decentralized messaging and storage systems have reached practical usability standards, equipping developers with the tools to build dependable applications.
Decentralized Applications Achieve Practical Usability
Whisper, originally Ethereum's data layer, has evolved into Waku, a technology that currently powers applications such as Railway.xyz and Status.app. Simultaneously, decentralized file storage solutions, including IPFS and Fileverse, have undergone substantial improvements.
Fileverse, presented as an alternative to Google Docs, demonstrates a practical application of combining Ethereum and Gnosis Chain for document registration, permission management, and account control. This architecture ensures that users can still access and edit their documents using open-source tools, even if the Fileverse service becomes unavailable. This capability is key to ensuring true decentralization.
Buterin contrasted this decentralized model with proprietary corporate offerings, which often necessitate subscriptions, monitor user activities, and impose limitations. He characterized such products as "corposlop," referring to services that might fail due to external factors or require continuous online validation. He advocated for building tools that are enduring and user-owned, stating, "Build a hammer that is a tool you buy once and it’s yours, not a corposlop AI dishwasher," underscoring the significance of user sovereignty.
The Future Trajectory of Web3 Development
With enhancements in usability and network efficiency, developers are now positioned to create fully decentralized applications that can effectively compete with existing Web2 alternatives. The expanding ecosystem on Ethereum further facilitates the development of applications across social media, economics, and self-management domains, all without reliance on central authorities.
Buterin suggests that the time has come for the community to move beyond passive observation and actively engage in "buidling decentralized" initiatives. Broad participation is crucial for shaping the future of the decentralized web, which is no longer an abstract concept but a tangible reality.