Technical Definition
dApp (Decentralized Application)
An application whose core logic runs in smart contracts on a blockchain rather than on a company's servers.
By Crypto University Editorial
Smart Contract · Decentralized Exchange (DEX) · Token Approval · Contract Address (CA) · Wallet
✦ Key Insight
Because there is no company holding your funds, there is also nobody to reverse a mistake, freeze a thief, or reimburse you after an exploit.
✕ Common Misconceptions
Assuming the website is the application. Front ends can be hijacked or replaced while the contracts remain honest, so verify the contract address rather than trusting the domain.
Detailed Explanation
A dApp usually has a familiar website front end, but the part that holds funds and executes rules lives on-chain. You interact by connecting a wallet and signing transactions instead of creating an account with a password. The front end can go offline while the contracts keep running.
In Practice
“A trader opens a swap interface, connects a wallet, approves the token, and executes the trade — the interface never takes custody at any point.”