Web 2.0 represents the evolution from traditional desktop applications to web-based applications focused on end-user collaboration over the internet. It transitioned single-user applications to multi-user applications that generate interactive services and allow users to help create and edit online content through technologies like wikis, social media, and cloud computing. Examples of early Web 2.0 applications include Google Docs, Flickr, YouTube, social bookmarking sites, virtual desktops, file sharing services, and collaborative encyclopedias like Wikipedia.