Evolution of the Web — 1.0, 2.0, 3.0

In 1989, Tim Berners-Lee, a British scientist working with CERN invented the web with the aim of meeting the demand for automated sharing of information among scientists in institutions and universities around the world.

Not to be confused with the internet, the world wide web (or web as some may refer to it as) is the pages you see and interact with whenever you’re on an internet-enabled device. They are software that allows you to make use of the internet’s content; they are what you see and click on your computer’s browser. The internet, however, as its name implies, is a network of connected computers on which the web runs.

The internet was first invented in 1969 and was called ARPANET which stands for Advanced Research Projects Agency Network. Initially serving to connect four independent network nodes in four different universities in the U.S, then for government and government-associated institutions, the internet has since evolved for use by members of the public.

The web has also evolved (and is continuing to evolve), providing functionalities, utilities and possibilities that weren’t available 20 years ago or even 6 months ago.

In this article, we’ll be looking at some of the evolutionary features of the web since its invention.

Web 1.0: Where it all began

Following the invention of computers, the internet, as well as the creation of data networks, hypertext and other evolving technologies at the time, there was a need to merge these into a global information system that is easily accessible, easy to use and easily retrievable.

Frequently referred to as the “read-only web”, Web 1.0 sought to make information and data available to readers. Here, a small group of people created content as web pages for a large audience of readers. Think of this earliest version of the web as a library where people go to search for information.

Some of the features of Web 1.0 include:

• It’s a read-only web
• Websites and web pages are static
• No user-to-server interactions
• Only content browsing
• Web pages are connected by hyperlinks
• Static banner advertisements

Web 2.0: User-generated content

Having seen the capabilities of Web 1.0 and the possibilities ahead, there was a need for more web interaction, interoperability, user contributions and a move from static, read-only websites to web interactivity.

It is key to note that the term “Web 2.0” didn’t come about because of any upgrades in technical specifications or versions like is applicable in some applications and devices but as a result of the introduction of new features and changes made to websites and web pages. Most of these changes started appearing in 2004 and that is why most sources will quote 2004 as the year Web 2.0 was launched.

Web 2.0 describes the web most people are using today. It features user-to-server interactions, user-to-user interactions and user-generated content. This web led to the development of social networking services, blogs, wikis, video-sharing sites and a lot more. The web moved from static web pages to interactive web pages; read-only to read and write; banner advertisements to user-focused interactive advertisements amongst other features.

Some other features of Web 3.0 include:

• Centralized database
• Web applications
• Cloud computing
• Social networking and instant messaging
• Content sharing
• Read and write

Web 3.0: The Future?

While some may think that Web 3.0 is a futuristic concept, the truth is that it already exists in today’s world. From wearable internet-enabled devices to virtual reality gaming and decentralized applications, Web 3.0 is already with us even though a lot is still under development.

Web 3.0 or Web 3 refers to the movement of the internet from centralization to decentralization, the introduction of machine learning and artificially intelligent websites, webpages and applications that simulate human-like interaction with users. Another key feature of Web 3.0 is that it is permissionless and trustless, meaning that users will be able to access the web directly and its information without having to seek permission from centralized platforms like Google, Twitter or Meta, accept cookies or require third-party software or application as a mediator.

Blockchain is at the centre of web 3, helping with decentralization and ensuring that data is not domiciled by a single entity, platform, server or organization. This means that there will never be downtime should one server fail as data is duplicated and stored across several servers or nodes.

Another interesting aspect of Web 3 is the connectivity it brings through a concept called the Internet of Things (IoT). The internet is no longer accessible only via mobile devices and computers because several other devices are able to connect and interact with the internet. Examples are home automation, wearable technologies and connected automobiles.

What’s more?

Many theories suggest that Web 3 isn’t the last in the evolution of the web. There could be a Web 4.0 which will feature autonomous, proactive, content-exploring, self-learning, collaborative, and content-generating agents based on fully matured semantic and reasoning technologies where man will interact symbiotically with machines.

Whether this is possible is only a matter of time, and what happens afterwards remains to be seen. In the time being, more web 3 applications and services will continue to be developed and used as the web moves gradually from 2.0 to 3.0.