In the web2 world, we authenticate with usernames and passwords. In the decentralized web3, world we authenticate using cryptography and public/private key pairs. The user-facing mechanism we use to do that is called a wallet. A wallet is a piece of software that allows us to create an address on a blockchain and then authenticate using our private key to access it.

This address is how we interact with web3 dapps. This address can be thought of as a user account, except:

• It’s shared across all dapps that are on the same protocol.
• The data belongs to the wallet owner, us, not the platform.

Using this wallet is what allows users to interact with our dapp! They are authenticated and can send transactions to the chain itself.

Some options for this are:

• Hiro Web Wallet
• Metamask
• Phantom