Summary
The question revolves around the architecture of a Decentralized Application (DApp) and how it interacts with a blockchain network. The main confusion lies in understanding whether a blockchain network is hosted inside a website (DApp) or runs separately. In a traditional web application, the backend and frontend are typically hosted on the same server or on different servers within the same network. However, in the context of blockchain and DApps, the smart contract is deployed to a blockchain network, while the frontend is hosted on a normal web server.
Root Cause
The root cause of the confusion is the misunderstanding of how blockchain networks operate. Key points to consider:
- A blockchain network is a decentralized peer-to-peer network.
- Each node in the network verifies and validates transactions.
- The smart contract is deployed to the blockchain network, not hosted by the website.
- The website (DApp) interacts with the blockchain network via RPC (Remote Procedure Call).
Why This Happens in Real Systems
This confusion arises because of the difference in architecture between traditional web applications and DApps. In traditional web applications:
- The backend and frontend are tightly coupled.
- The application controls the data storage and retrieval.
In contrast, DApps: - Rely on a decentralized network for data storage and retrieval.
- Interact with the blockchain network using RPC.
Real-World Impact
The impact of this misunderstanding can be significant:
- Incorrect architecture design can lead to security vulnerabilities.
- Inefficient use of resources can result in high costs.
- Poor scalability can limit the adoption of the DApp.
Key considerations for real-world impact include: - Scalability: Can the DApp handle a large number of users?
- Security: Is the DApp vulnerable to attacks?
- Cost: What are the costs associated with hosting and maintaining the DApp?
Example or Code (if necessary and relevant)
// Example of interacting with a blockchain network using Web3.js
const Web3 = require('web3');
const web3 = new Web3(new Web3.providers.HttpProvider('https://mainnet.infura.io/v3/YOUR_PROJECT_ID'));
// Get the balance of an account
web3.eth.getBalance('0x...').then(balance => {
console.log(balance);
});How Senior Engineers Fix It
Senior engineers fix this issue by:
- Understanding the architecture of a DApp and how it differs from traditional web applications.
- Designing the system with scalability, security, and cost in mind.
- Using established libraries and frameworks such as Web3.js or Ethers.js to interact with the blockchain network.
- Testing and iterating to ensure the DApp is secure, scalable, and efficient.
Why Juniors Miss It
Juniors may miss this issue due to:
- Lack of experience with blockchain development and DApps.
- Insufficient understanding of the architecture and design principles of DApps.
- Limited knowledge of the libraries and frameworks used to interact with blockchain networks.
- Inadequate testing and iteration to ensure the DApp is secure, scalable, and efficient.