Decentralized applications (DApps) are digital applications or programs that run on a blockchain or peer-to-peer network of computers, instead of being hosted on a single computer server. By running on a decentralized network, DApps are free from the control and interference of a single authority.
They are typically open-source, operate autonomously, and have their data and records of operation stored on a blockchain. The front-end user experience of a DApp can be similar to any other app, but the back-end uses smart contracts and a blockchain to provide functionality.
DApps can be developed for various purposes, including gaming, finance, social media, and more. The Ethereum blockchain is the most common platform for building DApps, but other blockchains also support DApp development.