What is a Web Application?
A web application is software that runs in your web browser. Businesses have to exchange
information and deliver services remotely. They use web applications to connect with customers
conveniently and securely. The most common website features like shopping carts, product search
and filtering, instant messaging, and social media newsfeeds are web applications in their design.
They allow you to access complex functionality without installing or configuring software.
What are the benefits of web applications?
Web applications have several benefits, with almost all major enterprises utilizing them as part of
their user offerings. Here are some of the most common benefits associated with web apps.
Accessibility
Web apps can be accessed from all web browsers and across various personal and business
devices. Teams in different locations can access shared documents, content management systems,
and other business services through subscription-based web applications.
Efficient development
As detailed, the development process for web apps is relatively simple and cost-effective for
businesses. Small teams can achieve short development cycles, making web applications an
efficient and affordable method of building computer programs. In addition, because the same
version works across all modern browsers and devices, you won't have to create several different
iterations for multiple platforms.
User simplicity
Web apps don't require users to download them, making them easy to access while eliminating the
need for end-user maintenance and hard drive capacity. Web applications automatically receive
software and security updates, meaning they are always up to date and less at risk of security
breaches.
Scalability
Businesses using web apps can add users as and when they need, without additional infrastructure
or costly hardware. In addition, the vast majority of web application data is stored in the cloud,
meaning your business won't have to invest in additional storage capacity to run web apps.
What are some common web applications?
There are numerous types of web applications. Here are some of the most well-known.
Workplace collaboration web applications
Workplace collaboration web apps allow team members to access documents, shared calendars,
business instant messaging services, and other enterprise tools.
Ecommerce web applications
Ecommerce web apps such as Amazon.com enable users to browse, search, and pay for products
online.
Email web applications
Webmail apps are widely used by enterprises and personal users to access their emails. They often
include other communication tools such as instant messaging and video meetings.
Online banking web applications
Business and personal users widely use online banking web apps to access their
accounts and other financial products such as loans and mortgages.
Technical documentation
We can use web applications to create and share technical documentation
like user manuals, how-to guides and device specifications
How do web applications work?
Web applications have a client-server architecture. Their code is divided into two components—
client-side scripts and server-side scripts.
Client-side architecture
The client-side script deals with user interface functionality like buttons and drop-down boxes. When
the end user clicks on the web app link, the web browser loads the client-side script and renders the
graphic elements and text for user interaction. For example, the user can read content, watch
videos, or fill out details on a contact form. Actions like clicking the submit button go to the server as
a client request.
Server-side architecture
The server-side script deals with data processing. The web application server processes the client
requests and sends back a response. The requests are usually for more data or to edit or save new
data. For example, if the user clicks on the Read More button, the web application server will send
content back to the user. If the user clicks the Submit button, the application server will save the
user data in the database. In some cases, the server completes the data request and sends the
complete HTML page back to the client. This is called server side rendering.
What is the difference between a web application and a
website?
When the internet was newly invented, websites had significantly less functionality than web apps.
They were only capable of delivering information to users through static content. You had to install
and run software with complex functionality. Web apps were built to bridge the gap between
software and static sites. They had functionality and interactive user elements like the software but
were delivered using a web browser URL.
However, web technology has evolved significantly since then. Most modern websites are complex
web applications in their design.
What is the difference between a web app and a native app?
A native app is a computer program that has been specifically designed for a particular user
environment. One of the most common types of native apps are mobile apps, which are developed
using specific programming code. Unlike web apps, native or mobile apps are downloaded by the
user to their mobile device, usually through app stores. Native apps can only be accessed on the
device they have been downloaded on, and users are responsible for downloading any updates.
Developers have to build different versions of their mobile applications if they want to make them
available across operating systems like iOS or Android, ensuring they have as broad a reach as
possible. Developers must also ensure their mobile apps adhere to app store standards or risk having
their apps rejected.
