One of the things that makes Holochain stand out is how you actually build applications on it. They call them hApps (Holochain Apps), and the development experience is quite different from traditional blockchain dApps.
What is a hApp?
A hApp is a complete decentralized application that runs peer-to-peer. It typically consists of:
• One or more DNAs (the backend logic)
• A frontend (usually a web-based UI)
• Optional Edge Nodes for hosting
The Core Building Blocks
1. DNA (The App’s Rulebook)
• This is the heart of every hApp.
• It contains the validation rules (what data is allowed and how it must be structured).
• Written mostly in Rust (compiled to WebAssembly).
2. Zomes
• Modular pieces of code inside a DNA.
• There are two main types:
• Integrity Zomes: Define the rules and validation logic (immutable).
• Coordinator Zomes: Handle business logic, calls between zomes, and orchestration.
3. Agent-Centric Model
• Every user runs their own local chain (Source Chain).
• Data is only shared when necessary and validated according to the DNA rules.
How Development Works in Practice (2026)
The Holochain team has made development much more accessible with modern tools:
• hc-scaffold: A powerful scaffolding tool that lets you generate a full hApp (DNA + UI) with just a few commands. It asks questions and generates boilerplate code for entries, links, CRUD functions, etc.
• Rust + HDK (Holochain Development Kit): The main language for writing secure, efficient backend code.
• Frontend: Usually React, Svelte, or any web framework that connects to the Holochain Conductor via WebSockets.
My Personal Take
I find Holochain’s development model refreshing. Instead of writing smart contracts that run on a global virtual machine (like Solidity on Ethereum), you’re building personal, sovereign applications where each user controls their own data.
It feels more like building real-world decentralized software rather than “deploying contracts.” The learning curve is steeper if you’re coming from traditional blockchain development (especially learning Rust and the agent-centric mindset), but once it clicks, it opens up exciting possibilities for scalable social apps, collaboration tools, supply chains, and more.
Holochain isn’t trying to compete directly with Ethereum on every use case — it’s solving different problems, particularly around scalability, user data ownership, and efficiency.
What about you?
Have you tried developing on Holochain yet?
Would you consider building a hApp, or do you prefer the more familiar EVM ecosystem? Drop your thoughts below 🔥
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This is not financial advice. Always do your own research (DYOR).