Understanding Ethereum DApp Architecture
When diving into Ethereum decentralized application (DApp) development, you'll quickly grasp smart contract fundamentals and begin writing automated tests. But soon, a critical question arises: How do you structure an Ethereum DApp's architecture? Does it mirror traditional app structures?
Blockchain integration introduces complexity by adding a new layer—the distributed ledger—to conventional client-server models. This guide explores practical Ethereum DApp architectures using web3.js (while noting its beta status—APIs may change).
Client-to-Blockchain: Serverless Approach
Pure Decentralized Model
The most basic DApp structure eliminates servers entirely, enabling direct client-blockchain interaction:
- Web Apps: Use web3.js for browser-blockchain communication
- Mobile Apps: Leverage platform-specific libraries like web3j for Android
File Storage: Consider decentralized solutions like:
- Ethereum's Swarm
- IPFS (InterPlanetary File System)
Note: Decentralized storage doesn't guarantee permanent file retention.
Blockchain Interaction Patterns
Querying Transactions
// Initialize web3 connection
const Web3 = require('web3');
const provider = new Web3.providers.HttpProvider('https://mainnet.infura.io/vuethexplore');
const web3 = new Web3(provider);
// Retrieve block data
web3.eth.getBlock(blockNumber).then((block) => {
const transactions = block.transactions;
// Process transaction data
});👉 Explore advanced blockchain query techniques
Submitting Transactions
const EthereumTx = require('ethereumjs-tx');
const tx = new EthereumTx({
nonce: '0x00',
gasPrice: '0x04e3b29200',
to: '0xca35b7d...',
value: '0x02d79883d20000',
chainId: 1 // Mainnet
});
tx.sign(privateKey);
// Broadcast transaction
web3.eth.sendRawTransaction('0x' + tx.serialize());Node Infrastructure: Services like Infura provide API access to Ethereum networks without requiring local nodes.
Server-to-Blockchain Architectures
Local Node Deployment
Run geth or parity nodes to:
- Synchronize with the public network
- Broadcast signed transactions
- Validate transactions
Offline-Signed Transactions
Sign transactions offline before relaying via public nodes—but beware potential MITM attacks.
Hybrid Architecture: Integrating All Components
Event-Driven Design
Monitor smart contract events for state changes:
// Sample Solidity event with indexed parameters
event TokenPurchase(address indexed buyer, uint256 value);Security Note:
- Always wait for 12+ confirmations (~3 minutes) to prevent chain reorganization issues
- Treat client-server messages as notifications only—verify on-chain
FAQ: Ethereum DApp Development
Q: How many confirmations are needed for transaction finality?
A: 12 confirmations (~3 minutes) provides reasonable security against chain reorganizations.
Q: Can I store large files on Ethereum blockchain?
A: Store file hashes on-chain and use Swarm/IPFS for actual file storage.
Q: What's the best way to monitor smart contract events?
A: Use web3.js filters with indexed parameters for efficient event tracking.
👉 Learn advanced DApp security practices
Key Takeaways
- Decentralized Storage: IPFS/Swarm for files, blockchain for hashes
- Transaction Security: Wait for 12+ confirmations
- Hybrid Models: Combine client/server/blockchain appropriately
- Infrastructure: Services like Infura simplify node management
The blockchain DApp ecosystem continues evolving—share your architectural discoveries with the community!