What Are The Differences Among Web 1.0, Web 2.0, and Web 3.0?

The digital age’s vocabulary is singular, with a variety of confusing buzzwords and abbreviations. 

These terms are part of our daily vocabulary, even though we may not understand their meaning. The terms “Web” or “Internet” can be used in different ways. They are often used interchangeably, however, by the majority of people. 

This article will discuss the Internet and the differences between Web 1.0, Web 2.0, and Web 3.0. 

What is the Internet? 

The Internet is the technological foundation upon which the Web is built. The Internet is, in essence, a vast network of connected computers that communicate with each other. 

It is not clear where exactly the Internet originated. It was originally a research project funded in part by the US Army in the 1960s. It became public infrastructure in the 1980s thanks to the support of many public institutions and businesses. While the various Internet technologies have changed over time, their basic operation has not been affected. The Internet allows computers to communicate with each other. 

What is Web 1.0? 

Berners Lee was a computer scientist at CERN and oversaw the creation of the Internet’s first version in 1990. 

In October 1990, he created his first web editor/browser. This was one of three technologies that laid the foundation for the Web. HTML stands for HTML, the format language that is used to create webpages. 

A URI, or URL, also known as a Uniform Resource Identifier (or Locator) is a unique address that can be used to identify a resource online. Use the HyperText Transport Protocol (or HTTP) to find relevant information on the Internet. 

Midway through the 1990s, Web browsers such as Netscape Navigator came out, bringing in the Web 1.0 era. Complex content was not the industry standard when statistics pages were first downloaded from servers. The Internet was eager to test new functions such as e-mail or real-time news searches. 

Users had limited access because interactive apps were still in their early stages of content generation. This has changed as internet trading and banking have become more popular.

What is Web 2.0? 

Web 2.0 is a term that describes a paradigm shift in the way people use the Internet. It replaces the boring web pages of Web 1.0. 

Web 2.0 allows millions to instantly access user-generated content online. Web 2.0’s rapid growth has been made possible by important innovations such as social networks and mobile internet access. 

Despite the phenomenal revenue growth these platforms have experienced, many Web 2.0-focused businesses like Apple, Amazon, and Google (formerly Facebook) are some of the largest in the world according to market capitalization. 

What is Web 3.0? 

The next stage of the Internet’s growth, Web 3.0 has the potential for disruption and a paradigm shift that is just as significant as Web 2.0. Web 3.0 is based on openness, decentralization, and enhanced user utility principles. 

Here is an example of how Berners Lee developed many of these core concepts during the 1990s. Online access does not require approval from a central authority. Since there is no central control point, there is no single point or kill switch. 

Bottom-up design: The code was created openly by everyone. This allows maximum participation and experimentation and is not supervised and written by a small group of experts. 

Berners-Lee presented the concept of the Semantic Web in a 2001 article. 

Machines can’t reliably process language semantics. Berners Lee’s Semantic Web concept aimed to give websites a meaningful structure and allow automation to perform difficult tasks for people. 

Evolution of the Web （Source: Medium） 

Differences between Web 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 

Takeaways 

The Internet is the Web’s technological foundation or supporting framework. It also connects computers and ensures that they can communicate with each other no matter what. 

• In the middle of the 1990s, the Web 1.0 era began with the debut of web browsers. 
• Web 2.0 is a paradigm shift in the way people use the Internet. 
• Web 3.0 is built on the fundamental ideas of decentralization and openness. 

Web development is going to be more efficient and simpler. It will transform the design process of website design agencies.