The evolution of the internet has reached a pivotal stage with the emergence of Web3—a decentralized, trustless, and permissionless digital ecosystem built on blockchain technology. For developers, this shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity: to build the next generation of applications on a fragmented yet rapidly maturing tech stack. Understanding the Web3 development stack is essential for anyone looking to contribute meaningfully to this new internet paradigm.
This guide breaks down the Web3 stack into its core layers, explores key tools and blockchains, and provides actionable insights for developers navigating this dynamic landscape.
Understanding the Web3 Development Stack
At its foundation, Web3 development revolves around three critical components: blockchain networks, infrastructure for blockchain interaction, and development environments. These elements form the backbone of any decentralized application (dApp), enabling everything from smart contract execution to user-facing interfaces.
Let’s explore each layer in detail.
The Network Layer: Foundations of Decentralization
The base of the Web3 stack is the blockchain network layer, which replaces centralized databases with distributed, immutable ledgers. Unlike Web2, where data resides on company-controlled servers, Web3 applications run on public blockchains that anyone can access and verify.
Developers face a key decision at this stage: choosing between EVM-compatible and non-EVM-compatible blockchains.
EVM-Compatible Blockchains
The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) is the most widely adopted execution environment in Web3. It enables smart contracts—self-executing code that governs dApp logic—and supports a rich ecosystem of tools and languages, primarily Solidity.
EVM compatibility allows developers to deploy their code across multiple chains with minimal changes. This interoperability has led to the rise of scalable Layer 2 solutions and alternative Layer 1s.
Popular EVM-Compatible Chains:
- Ethereum – The original smart contract platform
- Polygon – A scalable Ethereum sidechain
- Arbitrum & Optimism – Layer 2 networks using optimistic rollups
- ZKSync & Starknet – ZK-rollup-based Layer 2s offering high efficiency
- Avalanche & Cronos – High-performance EVM-compatible Layer 1s
Non-EVM Blockchains
While EVM chains dominate, a growing number of developers are turning to non-EVM blockchains for better scalability and performance. These networks use different architectures and programming languages, often designed for high throughput and low latency.
Notable Non-EVM Platforms:
- Solana – Built for speed using Rust, C, and C++
- NEAR – Developer-friendly with Rust and AssemblyScript support
- Flow – Designed for digital assets and NFTs using Cadence
- Terra (legacy) – Previously used Rust for DeFi applications
These platforms offer unique advantages but come with steeper learning curves and less mature tooling.
Development Environments: Tools That Power Web3 Builders
Choosing the right development environment is crucial for efficient dApp creation. Here are three leading frameworks:
1. Hardhat
A flexible JavaScript-based environment, Hardhat is ideal for testing, debugging, and deploying smart contracts. It supports plugins, offers excellent documentation, and integrates seamlessly with EVM chains.
2. Truffle
The Truffle Suite includes:
- Truffle – For compiling and deploying contracts
- Ganache – A personal blockchain for local testing
- Drizzle – Frontend libraries for React integration
Truffle remains a favorite among veterans due to its comprehensive toolset.
3. Brownie
For Python enthusiasts, Brownie provides a full-stack development experience built on web3.py. It’s particularly popular in DeFi projects for its scripting capabilities and testing framework.
Non-EVM chains are also improving developer access:
- Flow offers a VS Code extension for Cadence
- Solana uses Anchor, a framework that mimics Truffle’s workflow in Rust
Blockchain Interaction Layer: Connecting Code to Chain
Once a network and development environment are chosen, developers need reliable ways to read from and write to the blockchain. This is where the blockchain interaction layer comes in.
How Blockchain Nodes Work
Blockchains consist of distributed nodes—each acting as a “mini-server” that stores and validates data. To interact with the chain, developers must connect to these nodes.
Traditionally, this meant running a self-hosted node, which is costly (up to $86k/year for Ethereum) and resource-intensive. Managing node infrastructure diverts focus from actual development.
Node Service Providers: The Modern Solution
Enter node-as-a-service platforms that provide scalable API access to multiple blockchains without the overhead of maintenance.
These services:
- Offer real-time data synchronization
- Support multi-chain environments
- Handle failover and retries automatically
This shift has democratized access to blockchain data, allowing developers to focus on innovation rather than infrastructure.
Presentation Layer: Building User-Friendly dApps
The frontend of a dApp—its presentation layer—is what users interact with directly. While similar to Web2 in structure (often using React.js), it differs significantly in how it communicates with blockchain data.
Key Libraries for Web3 Frontends
- Ethers.js – Lightweight, well-documented, ideal for beginners
- Web3.js – Mature and widely used, but less intuitive documentation
- Alchemy Web3 – Enhanced fork of Web3.js with better reliability features
These libraries enable RPC (Remote Procedure Calls) to blockchain nodes, allowing frontends to query balances, send transactions, and listen for smart contract events.
Decentralized Storage: Beyond On-Chain Data
Smart contracts handle logic and state, but storing large files like images or videos on-chain is impractical due to cost. This is where decentralized storage solutions step in.
IPFS (InterPlanetary File System)
A peer-to-peer network for storing and sharing content. Widely used in NFTs to host metadata and media assets.
Arweave
Designed for permanent data storage, Arweave incentivizes miners to store data indefinitely through token rewards. Ideal for archival use cases.
Application Layer: Where Innovation Happens
The top tier of the Web3 stack hosts real-world applications:
- DeFi (e.g., Uniswap, Aave)
- NFT Marketplaces (e.g., OpenSea)
- Identity & Authentication Systems
- Data & Analytics Platforms
These dApps combine primitives from lower layers into powerful user experiences, making Web3 accessible to non-technical users.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Web3 stack?
The Web3 stack refers to the layered architecture used to build decentralized applications, including blockchain networks, interaction tools, development environments, frontends, and storage solutions.
Should I choose an EVM or non-EVM blockchain?
For beginners, EVM-compatible chains offer better tooling, documentation, and community support. Non-EVM chains suit advanced developers seeking high performance or specialized use cases.
Is running my own node necessary?
No. Node service providers offer reliable, scalable access to blockchain data without the cost and complexity of self-hosting.
What’s the best frontend library for Web3?
Ethers.js is recommended for most developers due to its simplicity and strong documentation. Web3.js remains popular but may be harder for newcomers.
Why use decentralized storage?
On-chain storage is expensive and inefficient for large files. Decentralized systems like IPFS and Arweave provide scalable, censorship-resistant alternatives.
Can I build cross-chain dApps?
Yes. With multi-chain APIs and interoperability protocols, developers can create dApps that function across Ethereum, Layer 2s, sidechains, and non-EVM networks.
Final Thoughts: Building the Future of the Internet
Web3 is still evolving, but its foundational layers are becoming increasingly stable. Whether you're a seasoned engineer or transitioning from Web2, now is the time to dive in.
With robust tools, growing communities, and expanding infrastructure, the barrier to entry has never been lower. The future of the internet is decentralized—and it’s being built one line of code at a time.
By mastering the Web3 stack—from network selection to frontend design—you position yourself at the forefront of a technological revolution reshaping how we interact online.