Decentralized applications, or dApps, are software programs that run on a blockchain or peer-to-peer (P2P) network of computers instead of on a single computer. DApps (also called "dapps") are thus outside the purview and control of a single authority.

DApps are often built on the Ethereum platform. They have been developed for a variety of purposes including gaming, finance, and social media.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Decentralized applications—also known as "dApps" or "dapps"—are digital applications that run on a blockchain network of computers instead of relying on a single computer.

dApps are free from the control and interference of a single authority.

The benefits of dApps include the safeguarding of user privacy, the lack of censorship, and the flexibility of development.

Potential drawbacks include an inability to scale, challenges in developing a user interface, and difficulties in making code modifications.