dApp
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In Brief
A dApp (decentralized application) runs on a blockchain using smart contracts instead of a central server — giving users direct control without a company in the middle
What Is a dApp?
A dApp (decentralized application) is an application whose backend logic runs on a blockchain via smart contracts, rather than on a centralized server controlled by a company. The frontend (what you see)
may look like any regular website or app, but the core logic and data are stored on a public, immutable blockchain.
Because no single entity controls a dApp, it cannot be taken down by a company decision, government order, or server failure.
How Is a dApp Different From a Regular App?
| dApp | Traditional App | |
|---|---|---|
| Backend | Smart contracts on a blockchain | Centralized server |
| Data storage | On-chain (public and immutable) | Private company database |
| Control | No single owner | Company or developer |
| Downtime | Extremely rare (blockchain is always running) | Possible (server outages) |
| Censorship | Cannot be censored or taken down | Can be blocked or shut down |
| Account required | Wallet address only | Email, password, KYC |
| Custody of funds | User (self-custody) | Platform |
Types of dApps
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Decentralized exchanges (DEX) | Uniswap, PancakeSwap, dYdX |
| Lending & borrowing | Aave, Compound, Venus |
| NFT marketplaces | OpenSea, Blur, Magic Eden |
| Yield farming | Yearn Finance, Convex |
| Gaming & metaverse | Axie Infinity, The Sandbox |
| Prediction markets | Polymarket |
| Bridges | Stargate, Hop Protocol |
How Do You Use a dApp?
To use a dApp you need:
A crypto wallet (like Trust Wallet)
The native token of the blockchain the dApp runs on (for gas fees)
Any tokens the dApp requires for its specific function
You connect your wallet to the dApp by clicking "Connect Wallet." The dApp can read your wallet address and request transaction approvals, but it cannot access your funds without your explicit signature.
dApp Risks to Know
Smart contract bugs — vulnerabilities in the dApp's code can lead to fund loss
Rug pulls — malicious developers drain liquidity and disappear
Approval exploits — unlimited token approvals can be used to drain wallets later; always revoke approvals you no longer use
Phishing sites — fake dApp websites designed to steal your seed phrase
Always verify the official URL of any dApp before connecting your wallet.
dApps and Trust Wallet
Trust Wallet has a built-in dApp browser that lets you access thousands of decentralized applications directly from the app — across Ethereum, BNB Chain, Solana, and 100+ other blockchains. You connect once with your Trust Wallet address and interact with any dApp without creating accounts or sharing personal information.