Decentralization platforms allow developers and users to build, host, and use decentralized applications (DApps) without relying on a central authority. These platforms are built using blockchain or other peer-to-peer technologies to ensure transparency, security, and trustless interaction.
Below are some major platforms used for decentralization:
1. Ethereum
- Overview: The first and most widely-used public blockchain to introduce smart contracts and a Turing-complete programming language called Solidity.
- Key Features:
- Runs on the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)
- Allows DApp development using smart contracts
- Uses Ether (ETH) as its native token
- Use Case: Building DeFi apps, NFT platforms, games, DAOs, etc.
2. MaidSafe (SAFE Network)
- Overview: A decentralized and autonomous Internet alternative (not a blockchain), started in 2006.
- Key Features:
- Uses spare computing power and bandwidth of users
- Files are split, encrypted, and stored across the network
- Prevents duplicate file uploads
- Uses Safecoin as its native currency
- Use Case: Decentralized data storage and file sharing
3. Lisk
- Overview: A blockchain application platform that allows DApp development using JavaScript and sidechains.
- Key Features:
- Easy for JavaScript developers
- Uses Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) consensus
- Each DApp runs on its own sidechain
- Uses LSK coin
- Use Case: Scalable and modular blockchain apps
4. EOS
- Overview: A decentralized operating system for high-performance DApps, launched in 2018.
- Key Features:
- Extremely fast – ~3,996 TPS (Transactions Per Second)
- Uses DPoS for scalability and efficiency
- Raised $4 billion via ICO
- Uses EOS tokens
- Use Case: Enterprise-scale DApps, games, social media, etc.