Software: a set of programs to do a particular job.
“App” is an abbreviation for Application.
TYPES OF APPS
Apps can be broadly divided into three categories:
1. Desktop Apps
• These apps can be used on a desktop or a laptop.
• Generally, they do not access and run independently on a computer.
• To run a desktop app, it must be installed on the desktop or the laptop. Ex: Paint,
Notepad, Spreadsheet, etc.
2. Web Apps
• These apps require an Internet connection to run.
• They are usually browser-based and stored on a remote server.
• Users access them through a webpage.
• Web applications require minimum device memory as the application lies on the
remote server. Examples: Google Maps, Instant messenger, etc.
3. Mobile Apps
• These apps run on a smartphone or a tablet.
• Mobile apps have responsive web designs to adapt to the much smaller screen sizes
of mobile devices.
• These apps are usually smaller in size as mobile devices have limited memory.
Examples: Facebook, Instagram, etc.
CLASSIFICATION OF MOBILE APPS
Mobile apps can be further classified as Native Apps or Hybrid Apps.
1. Native Apps
• Apps that are developed keeping the device specifications in mind are known as
Native Apps.
• Some Native apps can run on the device without the use of the internet, but others
may need internet facility for full functionality.
• They are designed for a particular platform and are expensive to develop and
maintain. Examples: GPS, dual SIMs, Cameras, etc.
2. Hybrid Apps
• Hybrid Apps contain the features of both Web Apps and Native Apps.
• These apps require the device to be connected to the Internet.
• Hybrid apps can be stored partly on the local device and partly on the remote
server.
• Some hybrid apps can be operated offline also by using cached pages, however, they
have limited functionality offline. Examples: Candy Crush, etc.
USES OF COMMON APPS
1. EDUCATIONAL APPS
• Examples: Google Classroom, Kahoot, etc.
2. SOCIAL NETWORKING
• Examples: WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, etc.
3. ENTERTAINMENT APPS
• Examples: Spotify, YouTube, Gaming Apps, etc.
4. BANKING AND FINANCE
• Examples: Paytm, GPay, PhonePE, Buddy from SBI, etc.
5. E- COMMERCE
• Examples: Flipkart, Amazon, Snapdeal, etc.N