A Developer's Guide to the Web3 Stack

At Alchemy, we define Web3 as a decentralized internet ecosystem built on blockchain technology.

For developers, decentralization might suggest a fragmented tech stack. While Web3 is still evolving, its foundational components are taking shape. Let’s explore the Web3 development stack in detail.

Web3 Stack Overview

Building Web3 applications requires expertise in:

• Blockchain networks
• Web3 infrastructure
• Development environments

Web3 Network Layer

The blockchain network layer forms the base of Web3’s tech stack. Unlike Web2’s centralized databases, Web3 apps rely on trustless, permissionless blockchain architectures.

Choosing a Blockchain

Developers typically opt for:

1. EVM-compatible blockchains (e.g., Ethereum, Polygon, Arbitrum)
2. Non-EVM blockchains (e.g., Solana, Flow, NEAR)

EVM Blockchains

• Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) stores smart contracts and account data.
• Solidity is the primary programming language.

• Examples:

  • Ethereum
  • Polygon (sidechain)
  • Arbitrum (Layer 2)

Non-EVM Blockchains

• Designed for scalability and high TPS.

• Examples:

  • Solana (Rust-based)
  • Flow (Cadence language)

👉 Explore EVM vs. Non-EVM blockchains

Web3 Development Environments

Top 3 EVM Environments

1. Hardhat

   • JavaScript-based, plugin-friendly.

2. Truffle

   • Suite for testing/deploying dApps.

3. Brownie

   • Python-based framework.

Non-EVM Environments

• Flow VSCode Extension for Cadence.
• Anchor for Solana (Rust).

Blockchain Interaction Layer

This layer enables reading/writing blockchain data. Key components:

• Block explorers (e.g., Etherscan).
• Node providers (e.g., Alchemy API).

Challenges

• High costs of running nodes (~$86k/year for Ethereum).
• Solutions like Alchemy offer scalable APIs.

Web3 Presentation Layer

Frontend Tools

• React.js for UI development.
• Ethers.js/Web3.js for blockchain interaction.

Decentralized Storage

• IPFS for NFT media.
• Arweave for permanent storage.

👉 Compare Web3 storage solutions

Web3 Application Layer

dApps span:

• DeFi (Uniswap, Aave).
• NFTs (OpenSea).
• Identity/Data analytics.

FAQ

1. What’s the best blockchain for beginners?

EVM chains (Ethereum, Polygon) offer robust tooling.

2. Is Web3.js better than Ethers.js?

Web3.js is more widely used; Ethers.js has better docs.

3. How do I reduce node costs?

Use node service providers like Alchemy.

4. Can I build Web3 apps without Rust?

Yes—Solidity (EVM) and Cadence (Flow) are alternatives.

Ready to build? Join the Web3 revolution today!