For those who frequent the internet and technical articles, the terms Web 2.0 (or 1.0 or 3.0) surely have surfaced and may be confusing. What is the difference between the three and why does it matter?
There is no hard and fast classification as these terms are broadly used, but basic definitions can still be applied to each.
Web 1.0 refers to the very first implementation of the web in which users could read but not interact with or contribute to the information they found. This read-only format was used simply to establish an internet presence and widen contact with audiences by making their information readily and easily available.
An example would be shopping cart applications which mainly function as an online, seachable catalog with the advantage of shopping and purchasing from any location. The purpose is convenience and accessibility.
Web 2.0 is the term for a read-write arrangement that allows contribution of and interaction between the users. This goes beyond (although it does include) comment sections or availability of a rating system or feedback. Think of websites like YouTube or Twitter that rely upon user contribution and uploads. The users become integrated and invested in the information. The purpose here is connection and contribution.
What comes next? Numerically, it is obviously Web 3.0, but its functions are less obvious to imagine. The idea is a read-write-execute version of the web. This latest development is still in process. Ideally Web 3.0 will reduce the communication gap between computerized applications and users so that technical data is more accessible and readable to humans. From there, applications will have the potential to communicate directly to each other and simplify the need for user instruction. This will allow for broader, more instinctive search engines and intelligent, computerized interpretation of information.
