Glossary - Web dev and Web3 glossary
Short definitions of the technical terms we use on the site and in our engagements.
- Dapp
- Decentralized application: a web app where part of the logic runs on an on-chain smart contract, typically with wallet integration to sign transactions.
- Smart contract
- Program deployed on a blockchain (Ethereum, Polygon, Arbitrum, etc.) that runs deterministically on each call. Once deployed, its code is public and immutable.
- Subgraph
- Blockchain data indexing service, typically deployed on The Graph. Lets a dapp quickly query on-chain history via GraphQL without scanning the chain on every request.
- Layer 1 (L1)
- Base blockchain with its own consensus, e.g. Ethereum, Bitcoin, or Solana. Secure but expensive in gas and throughput-limited.
- Layer 2 (L2)
- Blockchain built on top of an L1 to reduce costs and increase throughput. Examples: Arbitrum, Optimism, Base, Polygon zkEVM. Security derives from the underlying L1.
- Tokenomics
- Design of a token’s economic rules: issuance, distribution, value capture mechanisms, incentives. A distinct economic expertise from smart contract development.
- MVP
- Minimum Viable Product: the lightest version of a product that lets you test the business hypothesis with real users. At Quub, a web MVP takes between 2 and 16 weeks depending on complexity.
- SaaS
- Software as a Service: web application sold by subscription, accessible via the browser. Dominant model for B2B tools and business platforms.
- Embedded delivery
- Engagement mode where a Quub PM or delivery lead temporarily integrates into your team to drive a project’s delivery. Minimum 3 months, ideally longer.
- WalletConnect
- Authentication and signing protocol that lets a web dapp connect to a mobile or desktop wallet without a dedicated browser extension. The de facto Web3 standard.