Middleware Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is middleware in Web3?
Middleware is the infrastructure layer that sits between the blockchain and applications. It handles messaging, indexing, developer tools, and services that enable dApps to scale and operate smoothly.
What are the four major categories of middleware in Web3?
- Cross-Chain Messaging
- Data Availability (DA)
- Indexing & Querying
- Developer Tools / Wallet Abstraction
What does cross-chain messaging middleware do?
It allows dApps or chains to communicate and move assets between different blockchains.
Give 2 examples of cross-chain messaging middleware.
LayerZero, Axelar
How would a startup use cross-chain messaging?
A gaming startup uses LayerZero to let players move NFTs between Polygon and Arbitrum.
What is data availability (DA) middleware?
DA middleware ensures transaction data is published and accessible so other chains or users can verify state and proofs.
Name 2 examples of DA middleware.
Celestia, EigenDA
How might a startup use DA middleware?
A rollup-based social app uses Celestia to post data off-chain while remaining verifiable.
How might an enterprise use DA middleware?
A telco uses EigenDA to post enterprise rollup data while staying within Ethereum’s security model.
What is indexing & querying middleware?
It makes blockchain data searchable and accessible to front ends, dashboards, and developers.
Name 2 examples of indexing middleware.
The Graph, SubQuery
How does a startup use indexing?
A DeFi aggregator uses The Graph to show live token prices and user positions.
How does an enterprise use indexing?
A public company uses SubQuery to generate auditable reports from smart contract activity.
What does developer tooling / wallet abstraction middleware do?
It helps dApps onboard users easily, deploy contracts, abstract gas, and integrate with wallets.
Name 3 examples of wallet abstraction tools.
Thirdweb, Privy, Web3Auth
How might a startup use wallet abstraction?
A consumer app uses Privy for email login and gasless transactions, improving UX.
How might an enterprise use developer tools?
A luxury brand uses Thirdweb to launch NFTs without needing a Web3 engineering team.
Why is middleware critical for Web3 adoption?
It bridges the gap between base chains and usable products — enabling UX, scale, data, and cross-chain access.
What’s a strategic takeaway about selling middleware to startups vs enterprises?
Startups care about speed and flexibility; enterprises care about reliability, support, and control. Same tool, different packaging.
