Web Applications:
A Web Application is an application software that runs on a web server rather
than being installed on the user’s device. In mobile computing, these web
applications are accessed through mobile web browsers on smartphones or
tablets using an internet connection.
They behave like regular apps but don’t need to be downloaded or installed.
How Web Applications Work on Mobile Devices?
1. User opens a web browser (like Chrome, Safari).
2. Enters a URL or clicks a link (e.g., www.gmail.com).
3. The browser sends a request to the web server where the web app is
hosted.
4. The server processes the request and sends back web pages (HTML, CSS,
JavaScript).
5. The browser displays the web application, and the user can interact with it
just like an app.
Key Characteristics
Feature Description
Platform- Works on any mobile device with a browser (Android, iOS,
independent etc.)
No installation Opens in a browser, so there's no need to download from
needed Play Store/App Store
Updates happen on the server, so users always see the
Always up-to-date
latest version
Needs a network connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) to
Requires Internet
function
Layout adjusts to different screen sizes for better mobile
Responsive Design
experience
Examples of Web Applications in Mobile Computing
Email: Gmail, Outlook Web
Social Media: Facebook or Twitter via browser
Online Shopping: Amazon, Flipkart websites
Food Delivery: Ordering food via Zomato’s or Domino’s website
Banking: Accessing your bank account via the bank’s official site
Web Apps vs. Native Apps vs. Hybrid Apps
Feature Web App Native App Hybrid App
Installed? No Yes Yes
Installed from App
Access through? Browser Installed from App Store
Store
Yes
Internet needed? Not always Not always
(mostly)
Full access (GPS, Camera,
Device features? Limited Some access
etc.)
Development
Lower Higher Medium
cost
Advantages of Web Apps in Mobile Computing
Cross-platform: One app works on all devices (no need to build separate
apps for Android and iOS).
No installation needed: Users don’t need to download anything.
Easy to maintain: Updates are made on the server; users automatically get
the latest version.
Saves storage: Doesn’t take up space on the phone.
Quick to access: Just type in a URL.
Disadvantages
Needs internet: Most web apps won’t work offline.
Slower performance: Not as fast as native apps.
Limited access to hardware: Can’t fully use phone features like camera,
GPS, or Bluetooth.
User experience: Might not feel as smooth as a native app.
Technologies Used to Build Web Apps
HTML: For structure of the web page.
CSS: For design and layout.
JavaScript: For interactivity and dynamic behavior.
Frameworks: React, Angular, Vue.js, etc.
Backend: PHP, Node.js, Python, Java, etc.
Summary
Web Applications in Mobile Computing are apps that run in a mobile browser
using the internet. They offer a flexible, platform-independent way to use services
without downloading or installing anything. They're great for basic tasks and wide
accessibility but may lack advanced features and speed compared to native apps.
