What is web application? How it works? A detailed guide

Web application definition

Web application, also known as Traditional Web application and Multi-page web application, is an interactive feel-like app built on a website that users can access from browsers and perform actions online. A web application can be stored directly on a browser without downloading. Each web application has a client-side and back-end built by different web development technologies. 

• The front-end, also called a client-side, works on the interface of your web app. How the user will interact with your web app and how it will present answers to the user.  
• Meanwhile, the back-end, also called a server-side, deals with how the web app processes data, prepares answers and transfers them back to the user through the front-end.  

Since websites often host web applications, web app development and web development are similar in many aspects. This means they also need a domain, hosting, server, and database. A single website can host multiple web applications to enhance customer experience and meet their needs. This customization is done by the web administrator or by request of the company owning that website. 

Examples of web applications: 

• Online forms; 
• Virtual shopping carts; 
• Payment submission; 
• Spreadsheets; 
• File conversion; 
• File scanning; 
• Email programs like Gmail, Yahoo; 
• Google applications: Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Drive, etc.; 
• Social networks: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram. 

Web application vs website

The content on a website is primarily static, which means there is no and minimal interaction between users and websites. Because of that, the content on a website cannot be changed by a user. Meanwhile, a web app allows users to interact with and sometimes can change the content of it.   

Yet, a website can contain one or multiple web apps, so users can switch between the two depending on their intent. For example, Grammarly, a tool that reviews your writing and helps fix your grammar errors, has a website homepage but turns into a web app when a user logs in. 

Web application vs mobile app vs desktop app

The three types of web applications above are often closely linked yet mistaken altogether; therefore, you need to identify the difference between them. Their function and goals sometimes can overlap, but users access these forms of software in different ways:  

• Web app: is accessed through a web browser;  
• Mobile app: is accessible once it is downloaded and used on a mobile device;  
• Desktop app: is accessible once it is downloaded and used on a computer or a laptop;  

The distinction in accessing method leads to the different types of software and built-in hardware that software can access. Most mobile and desktop apps can access navigation services, cameras, Bluetooth connection, and many more. However, the web application has restricted access to those features above.     

7 types of web application

1. Multi-page or tradition web applications

This is the term used for “basic web application.” It has basic web application features without modern web apps technology. As its name suggests, this web app consists of more than one page and reloads every time an action is taken.   

Traditional web apps aren’t outdated since web apps are still relatively new for small businesses. Even though this type of web applications doesn’t have robust features compared to the others, it can still function wonderfully with a better user experience than a website. 

2. Single-page applications

Single-page application, or SPA for short, is the type of application that allows a partial information update whenever a request is made. When requested or clicked, the specific area of the website will update without the whole website reloading with the update.  

This feature of single-page applications makes their implementation and development faster and simpler. Dealing with and responding to users’ requests is much faster, thanks to asynchronous navigation. Moreover, the single-page application is easy to modify so that developers and businesses can achieve their desired results.  

Single-page application, however, is not compatible with search engine optimization. Some examples of SPA are Netflix, Gmail, Grammarly, and Spotify.

3. Progressive web apps

Progressive web apps, or PWAs, combine both web apps and native apps. This combination consists of the functionality of native apps, like working offline, push notifications, and other standard features of web apps.  

In other words, PWAs are similar to web apps when they don’t require download or installment yet offer the advanced functionality of a native app that a web app lacks. The shortcoming of the progressive web app is that it can only work with Google Chrome browser. Twitter is the most famous PWA. 

If you are interested in progressive web apps, here is our detailed article of progressive web application.

4. eCommerce web applications

E-Commerce web applications are like online shopping stores, in which products or services are promoted and sold to potential customers. Several features of E-Commerce web applications include new products addition, product removal, payment management, facilitating payment methods, and enhanced user interface. 

E-Commerce web applications are regularly updated to keep them user-friendly. Some well-known Ecommerce web apps are Shopee, Amazon, Flipkart, and so on.

5. Web Portal  

Suppose you are trying to guide a particular group of users to a specific, sole access point to essential data. In that case, the web portal application is what you need. Web portal application is favored by organizations and businesses, as it can help them build customized interfaces to satisfy the target audience. For example, a portal for admin and line manager, a portal for employees, and a portal for customers. Once users log into a web portal, the service provider monitors all their on-site activities. Additionally, only registered users can get access to the web portal.

6. Content management system web apps

Have you ever heard about WordPress? If yes, it is a prime example of a content management system (CMS). CMS web apps can be understood as a type of web application in which web content can be easily modified without advanced support from the technical team or any knowledge of programming language. CMS web apps exist for various designs and purposes. Some of them are WordPress, Magento, Joomla, and Drupal. 

7. Rich internet web application

Rich Internet web applications (RIAs for short) have the functionality of many desktop applications. They also come with sources of efficient and visually attractive elements, interactive user interface (UI), and better back-end processing. These apps are created to fix browser restrictions and rely on customer-side plugins. However, there might be risks and inconveniences that come along with RIAs. If a plugin is outdated, many parts of the app or the whole app might get interrupted and not work correctly. 

How does web application works?

The progress of web applications usually goes on like this:  

1. The user sends a request to a web server using either a web browser or the app’s user interface. An Internet connection is required to secure seamless access;  
2. Web server forwards the request to the corresponding web application server;  
3. The web application server performs the requested task and generates the appropriate results;  
4. Results will be sent back from the web application server to the web server;  
5. Web server responds to the client and displays the requested information to the user.  

There are several notes that you or any developers should pay attention to. The web app is executable because it relies on the browser with a built-in programming language like JavaScript and HTML.   

A web server is required to manage client-side requests, while a web application server is needed to perform relevant tasks. A database is essential since it can store user interaction information.   

The web application is easy to use and accessible. Every element is updated automatically without the help of the user. The web application doesn’t need to go through the laborious approval of app stores, resulting in quicker launching.   

The development of web applications usually utilizes templates over software development kits. This results in the web app development process being more manageable and quicker than native apps. On the other hand, a web app might have a limited range of features, unlike its mobile counterpart. Many businesses still prefer mobile apps for their more diverse functionalities. 

What are the benefits of web application?

The web app is undeniably becoming an integral part of our life and businesses. There are numerous web applications benefits can offer to individuals and enterprises: 

• Cost efficiency: web app requires less maintenance and less specification from users’ computers. It doesn’t require much processing power and an operating system;   
• Ubiquitous access: web apps can be accessed through web browsers (like Safari, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, etc.) everywhere and at any time. Users need to make sure they have a reliable browser and a stable Internet connection;    
• Less risk of software piracy: Subscription-based web apps like software as a service (SaaS) can only be used through cloud access and only after users have paid for it. This prevents the case of essential data from being illegally used for commercial intents;   
• Low space occupation: Since the web app is entirely accessible online and no download is required, the web app eventually doesn’t need to be installed on a hard drive. Therefore, users can save disk space and worry less about deleting programs when they run out of memory;   
• Cross-platform capabilities: The web app can run on multiple platforms if the browsers are compatible with the web app. Also, all users will be using and working on the same web application version as it is updated automatically and centrally.   
• Business improvement: web apps can help businesses increase business traction, boost brand image to potential customers, showcase business ideology, and secure certain positions in the target market. 

Advantages of web application

The reasons people are fond of using web applications might lie in its advantages to customers:   

• Low upfront costs: Web applications can be applied to most platforms; therefore, it doesn’t require much time or human resources to rebuild one web app entirely. This means web application is among the least expensive among other apps;   
• Platform-agnostic: As long as the platforms on which the web app is built can run in a web browser, their construction is fully capable. It, once again, is not custom-made for a single website;   
• Easy to maintain: Since web application is platform-agnostic, it doesn’t require a specific coding language. Instead, typical server-side scripts like PHP and client-side scripts like HTML and JavaScript are used. They are the universal coding languages used by various platforms. The utilization of these languages makes it easy to build and maintain web applications;   
• Absence of app marketplace: As a web app is not obliged to a standard operating system protocol, approval from an application store is not necessary for the web application. Therefore, the web app can be released in the format of the developer’s choice;   
• Update automation: Users don’t have to revisit the app store to manage their web app updates simply because web apps are not downloaded from one. The update will be done automatically, and whenever users open a web app; the update has been automatically done beforehand. 

Disadvantages of web application

Despite the pros of web application, users might face certain cons while using these apps:  

• Internet connection requirement: As the web app is accessible through a browser, the Internet connection is a must so that users can use the web app. This leads to the inability to work offline and frustration for those who don’t have a good Internet connection. Except for PWA, where its technology allows users to work without connection; 
• Poor relevance and discoverability: Web apps are not listed on the app store. This eventually leads to low promotion and recognition in the marketplace. Without visibility, the web app can struggle to gain user adoption;   
• Less functionality: When it comes to features and hardware, the web app has a relatively small scope. This is because a web app is not designed for a specific system and eventually has no access to that system’s features. Compared to other types of apps, the web app has less functionality;   
• Poor UX design: Along with separating from a system’s protocols, the web application doesn’t follow the system’s UI standards either. This eventually leads to a less smooth user experience. 

6 steps to create a web application

• Analyze business needs and goals: This is the first and foremost step for a successful web application. You should develop a strategy, build a concept, and analyze the target audience. Proposals are also essential to ensure the project’s success;   
• Find web app ideas and planning: This step can be pretty challenging as it requires changing theories into action. As the website owner, you must identify the website’s core functionality and why customers would want to use the website. Don’t forget to build a well-trained and skillful team to handle tasks;   
• Sketch the web app: Start with the basic component of the website, like primary sections, then expand other features and follow-up actions. You should stick to a consistent and representative concept of the user journey.   
• Develop your web application: This step consists of two stages: front-end and back-end development. While front-end development fulfills the goal of product presentation and interaction with users, back-end development prioritizes building a strong data-processing system for a fast web app experience;   
• Testing and launch: Web apps are not immune to bugs and flaws; therefore, developers must keep track of the web application development process. Beta launching the website is recommended before the official web app release;   
• Maintenance: Developers can still encounter bugs on their web app after launching. The development team should be ready for troubleshooting and regular site maintenance. 

Technologies & Frameworks for web application

To build a web application, there are many technologies that you can use. Other than the standard requirements of domain, server, and content (text, image, video), these few tools can make the development more seamless, effective, and time-saving.    

A Web Application Framework consists of a set of code and regulations that create a foundation to build your web app. Instead of making everything from scratch (which takes tons of time), using a framework will provide a backbone for you to grow your web apps. We have reviewed 12 web application frameworks in detail with their pros and cons: 

• Front-end Frameworks for Web Application: AngularJS, ReactJS 
• Back-end Frameworks for Web Application: NodeJS, Laravel, Ruby On rails 
• Full-stack Frameworks for Web Application: Django 

Websites can function with or without databases. However, database for web applications is compulsory to save the user data and their history. Some of the top databases are MongoDB, PostgreSQL, MySQL. We have reviewed the top 15 database for website and web app development!

Do I need a web application?

This depends on the preference and purpose that businesses want their web app to serve. Every company needs a website for brand recognition, yet a full-blown and highly developed web application is only partially necessary. As a business-to-business service provider, a manufacturing business might not need an online version.   

Before settling for a web app for business, consider the following factors. 

• Your business wants to sell products online;  
• You want online software that customers can log in, see reports, and use from anywhere across the globe;  
• You want to start a (SaaS) company;  
• You want to cost-effective web application instead of a mobile or desktop app;  

Web applications won’t be the ideal choice for your business when:  

• Your business focuses on selling products at a physical location;  
• Your business is a service or consulting business;  
• Customers are happy with receiving simple email reports;  
• The software requires features that are only available to mobile or desktop applications;  
• Your software tool will solely be used by users installing the software on their computers; 

Wrapping up

The web application is a fascinating software that offers numerous benefits and advantages to its users regarding connection, maintenance, cost, and automation. While it might have some existing shortcomings, the web app is still a convenient and easy-to-use software. With that being said, SPA and PWA are the trending web apps technology and are expected to be the new face of websites and web applications with their benefits.