There are several competing definitions for the phrase "Web 2.0". Punch Code defines the term as "An improved, feature rich, user friendly, and high speed form of the World Wide Web."

Instead of the traditional "click link, wait for page to load, repeat" approach we’re used to, Web 2.0 leans heavily on technologies such as AJAX to provide site interaction immediately and appealingly upon user request. The end result is a web application that performs more like desktop software than a website.

Web 2.0 has one more characteristic that’s worth mentioning – the "look". Web 2.0 applications are visually appealing, clean, and easy to use. Web 2.0 is about finding the right balance of rich media, graphics, content, and interaction – all with the end goal of creating a user friendly, fast, and powerful application.