A web application or a web app is a computer program developed in a client-server architecture. A client requests data and information to the server via. a web browser. The server returns requested information to the client and is visible in the web browser.
Web development in modern-day has many options and varieties. We can come up with a simple personal website in a matter of minutes while enterprise applications or a consumer-facing portal might take significantly more time depending on the features to be delivered.
Some common types of Web Application
- Static web application: The most simple and quick to release
- Dynamic web application: These apps allow users to modify and manage content from an administrative panel
- E-commerce application: These apps are built to sell goods online with payment handling
- Progressive Web Application (PWA): PWA is a comparatively newer type of application. It can be opened in the browser and also installed as an application in the users’ device.
- Web portals: Portals have multiple sections like forums, chats, search engines, areas accessed only with registration
- Content Management System: A very popular and widely used application for personal or corporate blogs, news pages, media, etc.
What is the difference between Website and Web Application?
A website is primarily intended for informational purposes. It provides content for visitors in a traditional fashion. e.g. BBC and National Geographic website.
A web application is primarily intended for user interaction. It allows users to perform specific tasks with pragmatic inputs e.g. send emails, write and save documents, check analytics for a website. Some examples of web applications are Gmail, Google Docs, Google Analytics.