Blockchain technology has evolved far beyond its initial application as the backbone of cryptocurrency. Now, decentralized technology is being deployed across diverse fields to fix practical inefficiencies.

Fundamentally, a decentralized network is a shared database that stores a perpetually extending sequence of entries, known as block entries. Every entry includes a unique identifier of the preceding entry, forming an immutable chain.

Smart contracts constitute one of the most transformative applications of distributed ledgers. These programmable agreements autonomously execute the terms of an deal when specific requirements are met.

Financial services is one of the earliest adopters of distributed ledgers. Decentralized finance platforms allow trustless trading bypassing conventional banks.

Despite its promise, Web3 confronts significant limitations. Scalability, power usage, and regulatory uncertainty continue to be key considerations that need to be solved for widespread adoption to happen.