A Brief Look into DeFi, Dapps, and NFTs

3 min readAug 25, 2021

Payments, loans, and borrowing were formerly only available through established financial institutions like banks. However, with the arrival of blockchain technology, everything changed. As blockchains became more prominent we started seeing new terms and technology associated with blockchain technology.

DeFi, dApps, and NFTs are three of the hottest topics in the blockchain space right now. But what’s the difference, you ask? For one thing, DeFi dApps are decentralized applications built on top of a protocol like Ethereum or EOS.

Meanwhile, NFTs represent digital assets that can be traded between users without going through an intermediary (like PayPal). Let’s take a closer look at each one to see what they’re good for!

An introduction to Defi, dApps, and NFTs

Defi — A new form of cryptocurrency that is fully decentralized and does not require a third-party provider for custodian services

dApps (decentralized applications) — Software running on the blockchain which provides an interface between users and developers without relying on a central service

NFTs (non-fungible tokens) — A token that is unique and can be used in a variety of ways. It does not have to represent a currency or anything tangible like an ID card, land title deed, car registration sticker, or even software license.

Decentralized finance vs Decentralized Application

Defi and dApps are two key blockchain-based advancements in the cryptocurrency industry. These two developments aid in the elimination of third parties, often known as centralization, and provide consumers with financial control.

Defi is characterized as “an environment of not censorable financial services apps built on top of public distributed ledgers.” Defi is a large-scale financial initiative that aims to decentralize key financial services such as investing, investment management, trade, financial payments, and health coverage.

It’s fairly unusual for people to mix up these two terms because they sound so similar. DeFi and dApps are becoming increasingly popular in the FINTECH business because they give consumers data privacy and eliminate government and regulatory oversight.

DeFi became noticeable in 2018 when it began to gain traction in the crypto world. DeFi’s rise was aided by a surge in Ethereum-based initiatives aimed at creating an autonomous, safe, and open financial system.

Decentralized apps are computer programs or digital applications that use smart contracts to operate on a blockchain. dApps aren’t restricted to blockchain-only operations; they may also function on peer-to-peer networks.

The front end of dApps is quite similar to that of regular websites, with the same technologies used to show pages. There are already over 100 Defi dApps available that provide a variety of financial services.

Understanding the term NFTs

Surprisingly, NFTs are a special kind of asset in the digital world that can be traded just like any other type of property or asset. They particularly have no physical existence as they are in the form of tokens. These digital tokens could be used as a certificate of ownership for any type of virtual or actual goods.

NFTs are available on some platforms, and the one you pick will depend on your needs. When a unique, standardized token and its associated smart contract are stored on a blockchain, NFTs are generated.

In short, an NFT is a collectible digital item that has value both as a cryptocurrency and as a piece of art or culture. Similarly to how art is seen as a long-term investment.

Final Thoughts

It’s no wonder that many people in the crypto world get these names mixed up. Since the introduction of blockchain and cryptocurrencies, there have been several technological advancements.

These inventions are among the most significant, and they aim to enhance the financial sector. By utilizing blockchain technology, these developments are well on their way to removing central authority.