what are decentralized applications that operate on top of a blockchain network called

Decentralized applications that operate on top of a blockchain network are called dApps, which stands for decentralized applications. These are software programs that run on a blockchain or peer-to-peer (P2P) network of computers instead of on a single computer or server. dApps are designed to be open-source, transparent, and resistant to censorship, allowing users to engage in transactions directly with one another rather than relying on a central authority. They use cryptocurrency as a means of exchange and are built on blockchain technology. Once a developer has released a dApps codebase, others can build on top of it, and the app is free from the control of a single authority. dApps can be developed to create a variety of applications, including those for decentralized finance, web browsing, gaming, and social media.