Decentralized applications (DApps) is a type of application that runs on a decentralized network such as a blockchain. The concept of a decentralized application started with Ethereum (ETH), the first platform to use a smart contract. Ethereum has an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), a Turing-complete machine capable of executing operations similar to a regular computer.
In addition to operating like regular apps, DApps enjoy the full advantages of decentralization, such as almost constant uptime and resistance to censorship. Currently, there are thousands of DApps in the crypto industry. These applications enable decentralized trading, lending, and even gaming.