The development of dynamic websites made it possible to create much deeper website experiences with many interconnected pages. Server-side dynamic web pages are controlled by an application server that controls the server-side scripts. The assembly of the web page is determined with the help of further client-side processing. Dynamic websites eventually paved the way for the development of web applications.
What is a Web Application?
A Web Application is an application that runs on a web server and is delivered to users through the internet. It requires an active network connection and can simply be accessed through a browser, unlike applications that are stored natively in the user’s operating system. It is a client-server program that comprises a client-side and a server-side. The client-side, or front-end, is where users enter data and view results. It’s essentially what they see on their browser. The server-side, or back-end stores and processes the data entered by users.
Web applications have many advantages over traditional desktop applications, including scalability (they can be put on servers that have more resources), portability (they can be moved between computers), and usability (users don’t need specific software installed on their computers to use them). This makes them perfect for tasks like online shopping, managing your finances, booking flights, tracking your health, and more. They can be used for anything from personal use to businesses of all sizes.
How Do They Work?
When a user accesses a web application through their browser, the server that hosts it will receive a request for information. The server then routes this request to the correct web application server based on its programming and settings. Once the requested task has been completed on an application server, it will generate a response containing the result of what was done. This response is sent back to the web server from which it originated, usually in HTML or XML format. Finally, an interface displaying the user-requested content is displayed on-screen, just like any other website would be.
Popular Technology Stack
When it comes to web applications, choosing the right technology stack is critical. This will affect everything from the speed and usability of your app to its security and compatibility with other web applications.
Popular server-side technologies include NodeJS, PHP, Ruby on Rails, and Python (Django). They are versatile languages that can be used to create robust back-ends.
Moreover, a secure and reliable database is also essential for any web application – MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB are popular choices.
For more on popular technologies, read: Best Technologies for Web App Development
Types of Web Applications
Web application development is a growing industry that is changing the way we live and work. It’s no wonder then, that the market is flooded with different types of web applications – each with its own set of features and benefits. Here are 4 popular types of web applications. Note there are always further ways to distinguish web apps, such as single-page applications, multi-page applications, portal applications, hybrid applications, and so on.
Progressive Web Application
Progressive web applications (PWA) are the future of web application development. They’re basically mobile app-like websites that are fast, reliable, and can be deployed on any device. PWAs were originally designed to improve the speed and versatility of traditional web applications in the face of slow internet connections. However, they offer much more than this – from automatic updates to offline support. Notable examples of PWA include MakeMyTrip, BMW, Flipboard, and Starbucks. If you’re looking for a versatile and future-proof platform for your next website development project, progressive web apps should definitely be on your list!
eCommerce Web Application
eCommerce web applications are a great way for businesses of all sizes to buy & sell products online. Often used by large, complex businesses, these applications require a lot of coding experience and knowledge to build successfully. Popular eCommerce websites include Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Swiggy, Zomato, etc. These platforms offer users an easy way to browse through products and make purchases without having to leave the website.
CMS Web Application
A CMS web application is a fantastic tool for website management. It allows you to easily add new pages, posts, and modules without having to learn to code. Additionally, CMS web applications are widely used in personal blogs, corporate blogs, media sources, etc. WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal are some of the most popular examples.
Rich-internet Web Application
Rich-internet applications (RIAs) are web applications that look and feel more like desktop applications. They use features found in desktop Workzone project management software. RIAs are a popular choice for development because they enable developers to create apps that look and work the same on both mobile devices and computers, making it easier for users to transition between platforms. Some of the most well-known RIA frameworks include JavaFX, Adobe Flex, AngularJS, etc. Popular examples of rich-internet application services include Google docs, Youtube, and Google maps.
Developing a Web Application
Creating a web application is a complex process that requires a lot of planning and execution. To achieve the most successful outcome, it’s important to understand the process involved in web application development in advance. The number of steps involved can vary from project to project, but here are the key ones.
Before starting any web application development project, it is important to conceptualize the product. This means coming up with a clear idea of what it will do and how it will be used. Once you have this figured out, start thinking about the features and functions that would make your product irresistible to potential customers. Also, take into account who is your target audience and why they should buy your offering. Wholeheartedly design an effective sales strategy around all of this information in order to maximize customer conversion rates.
Planning, Prototyping, Developing
Web application design and development is a complex process that requires careful planning. A web application can be created in many different ways, but in order to make sure your website runs smoothly, you need to take into account factors like browser compatibility and page loading time.
The first step is the design which will create a good user experience. This is followed by creating a wireframe. This prototype is presented to potential users for valuable feedback.
Next, developers must figure out what kind of data and data types will be used so that the database solution can be chosen wisely. The feedback for the prototype is considered, and features and functionalities are added/modified accordingly. This will create a streamlined interaction between the users and the server.
Testing and Implementation
Testing helps ensure that the application functions as intended, while implementation helps get it live on the web for consumers to see. There are various types of tests that QA teams carry out – usability, compatibility, functionality, security, and performance. This allows them to eliminate bugs and find any potential enhancements or changes before they go live on the web. For example, proper load testing with the help of tools like QA Wolf, Akamai, or Parasoft will ensure the application won’t crash when dealing with high simultaneous traffic. Additionally, testing also helps identify customer feedback and issues early on so that they can be resolved swiftly.
Finally, the application needs a hosting solution – be it dedicated hosting, shared hosting, or cloud hosting. App hosting is generally offered as a SaaS, and there are several popular options to choose from such as GCP and AWS. Speed, security, and reliability must be at the forefront when you choose the hosting. You should further look into migration features of each option, in case you change your mind in the future.
Regular updates and support are essential in order to maintain user satisfaction. Bug fixes, improvements, regular updates, technical support, changes requested through feedback – all of these are important parts of maintaining a web application. Regular security patches are also imperative. Further, you need to think about scaling the app, especially if it is getting popular. Server upgrades might also be required so that it doesn’t get overloaded and crash. Regular monitoring of the application can keep you up-to-date with the maintenance schedules.
Web development has progressed over the years as newer technologies have come to the forefront. Most companies are using web applications, and in order to stay ahead, it is important to keep up with the trends and wants of the people as well. In this blog, we have provided a detailed overview of web application development, from the definition of a web application to the different stages of development. While this development guide is by no means comprehensive, it gives you an idea of the steps involved.