The web, short for World Wide Web, is a network of hyperlinked documents accessible via the internet through a browser using DNS, URLs, HTTP and HTML.

Web Apps

Progressive Web Apps (aka PWAs) are websites that can be installed as standalone apps on mobile or desktop.

ragt.ag/manifest.json

Mobile

techcrunch.com/2024/02/15/apple-confirms-its-breaking-iphone-web-apps-in-the-eu-on-purpose

9to5mac.com/2024/03/01/apple-home-screen-web-apps-ios-17-eu

Desktop

Firefox: pwasforfirefox.filips.si

Decentralized Web

def: withdrawn from a center or place of concentration; especially having power or function dispersed from a central to local authorities

The web has a constantly evolving network topology that'll never be truly centralized or decentralized. Its current popular use is quite centralized.

DNS

Registrars: www.icann.org/en/accredited-registrars
TLDs: data.iana.org/TLD/tlds-alpha-by-domain.txt

Record Lookup

                  ┌─────────────────┐
                  │ Browser / Agent │
                  └──────┬──▲───────┘
                         │  │
Domain name: example.com │  │ IP address: xxx.xxx.xxx.xx
                         │  │
              1    ┌─────▼──┴─────┐    6
             ┌─────┤ DNS Resolver ◄─────┐
             │     └▲────┬──▲────┬┘     │
┌────────────▼┐     │    │  │    │     ┌┴──────────────┐
│ Root Server ├─────┘   3│  │4   └─────► Domain Server │
└─────────────┘  2       │  │       5  └───────────────┘
                    ┌────▼──┴────┐
                    │ TLD Server │
                    └────────────┘