Decentralized applications, or dApps, are software programs that run on a blockchain or peer-to-peer (P2P) network of computers instead of on a single computer. Rather than operating under the control of a single authority, dApps are spread across the network to be collectively controlled by its users. They are often built on the Ethereum platform and have been developed for various purposes, including wallets, exchanges, gaming, personal finance, and social media.