Understanding The DeFi Tech Stack

Blockchain Technology is becoming one of the key components to Web 3.0. Leading the way with this new revolution is the Ethereum ecosystem. Similar to how our current Internet infrastructure is built on HTTP, decentralized applications are being built on Ethereum.

For example, currently we have HTTP, then Facebook built on top, and then developers can build apps within Facebook. A similar tech stack is being developed on Ethereum using blockchain technology and the decentralized ethos.

Here is an example of how it looks:

ethereum tech stack
source: David Hoffman

The base layer is Ethereum. It is the foundation of the Ethereum economy. It’s crucial that Ethereum development remain top of mind as it is the most important part of the ecosystem. If a vulnerability happens within Ethereum, it would be similar to the Internet crashing.

The difference Ethereum has compared to HTTP is the Ether token. It allows it to capture much of the value of the Ethereum ecosystem. Unfortunately for HTTP, most of the value has went to the applications built on top of it like Facebook, Twitter, etc.

DeFi or decentralized finance has been one of the main sectors being built on top of Ethereum. One of the first projects that has made a massive impact in the development of DeFi is MakerDAO. Through the creation of their stablecoin Dai, they have opened up many new opportunities on Ethereum such as earning yield, hedging, and saving in a stable asset. Currently, MakerDAO is arguably the most important Dapp built on top of Ethereum.

In addition to MakerDAO, there has been many new projects being launched. Some Dapps are built on other Dapps or integrate in some way.

  • Chainlink: Decentralized Oracle responsible for getting accurate coin prices/information from the whole market/many sources and feeding them into smart contracts.
  • Synthetix: Creates synthetic assets for stocks, metals, and other assets to be traded on DEX’s.
  • Nexus Mutual: Insurance for users putting money into DeFi.
  • Uniswap: The most popular DEX currently growing the amount of liquidity.
  • TokenSets: Create ERC-20 portfolios that are trade-able on exchanges with Set coin.
  • CompoundAlgorithmic money market to lend and borrow crypto assets.
  • Aave: Decentralized protocol for lending and borrowing. Interest rates are adjusted using an algo based on current market conditions.

The list goes on and on but it is important to understand the building blocks within DeFi to be able to utilize the opportunities.

Each project has their own token that is used for a variety of things. Some tokens are able to be staked to help secure the network and earn rewards. Some tokens are used for governance to be able to vote on new ideas being implemented. Some tokens are minted to represent an asset like the US Dollar. Each project has developed their own system that can be better understand when reading their whitepaper and doing research.

With protocols like Ethereum, Web 3.0 is ushering in a new Internet that is decentralized, allows anyone around the world to invest or vote on new updates, automates the whole process through code, and creates transparency.

Aside from DeFi, NFT’s have also been making huge progress. NFT platforms are mainly being built on Ethereum as well which creates new value for the Ethereum ecosystem.

While Ethereum is by far the most used and developed base layer protocol, there are others making huge strides such as Binance Chain, Polkadot, Cardano, and Holochain. The learning never stops in crypto.

Nothing I say is investment advice. Do your own research on everything you put real money into. Do NOT take anything of what I say as an endorsement or recommendation.