Web Application Development : Full & Detailed Guide
What is a Web Application?
A web application, unlike computer-based software applications that operate locally on the device's operating system, is application software that runs on a web server. The user uses a web browser with an active network connection to access web apps. These apps are built on a client-server architecture, in which the user receives services from an off-site server maintained by a third party. Webmail, online retail purchases, online banking, and online auctions are all examples of regularly used web applications.
What is the Web Application Development?
Web application development is the process of creating software that is hosted on remote servers and delivered to a user's device through the Internet. A web application (web app) does not require downloading and is accessed through the internet. A web application may be accessed via a web browser such as Google Chrome, Safari, or Mozilla Firefox. JavaScript, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and HTML5 may be used to create the bulk of online apps.
Types of Web Applications?
1)Static Web Application:
HTML and CSS are commonly used to create them. Animated items, such as banners, GIFs, and movies, can, nevertheless, be integrated and shown in them. jQuery and Ajax may also be used to create them.
2)Dynamic Web Application:
On a technological level, dynamic web apps are far more complicated. They put data into databases, and the contents of those databases are changed every time a user uses them. For the creation of dynamic web applications, a variety of programming languages can be applied.
If the web application is an online store or shop, it will most likely be developed in the same way as m-commerce or e-commerce sites are. The development of this type of software is more difficult since it must accept electronic payments via credit cards, PayPal, or other payment methods. A management panel for the administrator must also be created by the developer. It will be used to add new goods, update or delete existing ones, as well as manage orders and payments.
4)Portal Web Applications:
A portal is a type of programme in which we may access numerous of its sections or categories from a single home page. These apps can offer a variety of features, such as forums, chats, search engines, emails, areas accessed through registrations.
5)Content Management System:
When it comes to web application development, the material must be updated on a regular basis, therefore implementing a content management system (CMS) is a viable choice to explore. This CMS may be used by the administrator to make changes and updates.
6) Single Page Application:
Allows for improved routing and navigation.
7)Animated Web Applications:
Because of its unusual design and appealing approach, it will hold people's interest for a long period.
8)Progressive Web Applications:
Responsive design with cross-browser compatibility. It's simple to work both online and offline.
Without the need for human intervention, the system will update itself.
Advantages of Web Applications:
Most of the web applications are compatible with various platforms than traditionally installed softwares. With the help of a web browser, you can run it on various operating systems.
Web application development solutions are only needed to be installed on the server, with the end-user workstation requiring only the bare minimum. The system is significantly easier to maintain and update, and any client changes can be easily distributed via the web server.
Deploying web apps for any platform in any sort of work environment is easy because of the manageability and cross-platform compatibility.
By limiting access to data and back-end servers, web-based apps offer an extra level of protection.
Web-based apps may help you save a lot of money since they require less support and maintenance, have fewer requirements on the end-user system, and have a simpler design.
Disadvantages of Web Applications:
While 4G and Wi-Fi internet connectivity is accessible in many areas, you will be unable to use your web app if you lose connection.
A web programme is likely to run at a somewhat slower pace than one hosted on a local server.
We don't all use the same browser, unfortunately. This means you'll need to test your app across a range of browsers while it's being developed.
Best Examples of Web Applications
One of the most popular sets of online apps is Google Workspace, which is part of the Google office suite. Google Docs is a tool for creating and saving documents collaboratively and automatically. It also has the advantage of being able to be used without an internet connection, with synching enabled once the link is established. This online app works on any device and runs on any operating system. Google workplace programmes may also be downloaded as mobile apps.
One of the most popular video-streaming systems is also available as a web application. Netflix lets paying subscribers view movies and television series whenever they want, with no restrictions.
This online tool replaces colorful post-its with a digital solution that allows for task organization and tracking. Trello is a project management tool that allows teams to collaborate more effectively.
The Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and so on) had to be installed on your computer and saved files on your hard drive. Microsoft Office, like Google Workspace, has become a tremendously popular online suite of tools, featuring web versions for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Web Application Development Process
You begin with a concept for a web application that addresses a problem. The finest applications are born out of a desire to solve problems that you or others you know encounter on a regular basis.
After you've come up with a concept, it's time to figure out who your target audience is.
You must choose one core functionality that your app excels at and that is the reason why users should use it.
The first step in designing a web application is to make a basic drawing. You may go on to wireframing and prototyping once you have the fundamental layout and workflow in place.
A wireframe is similar to a drawing, however, it is created on a computer and is more organized. It shows you how your app's pages will appear.
The next stage would be to create a prototype for a web app. A prototype is created by adding interactivity to your wireframes so that they seem just as they would in the real app, but with limited functionality.
Technically, you may begin confirming your concept as soon as it occurs to you. You might consult with your friends and coworkers regarding the viability of your concept. However, now that you have a prototype, you can begin alpha and beta testing to evaluate how people will interact with your app.
To construct your web app, you'll need to pick the correct framework, libraries, and platforms. What you pick will be determined by aspects such as the app's functionality as well as your own preferences. Choose a combination of what works and what you're familiar with from among the many decent web application development tools available.
To host your web-based application, you'll need to pick a server. Purchase a domain name and install an SSL certificate. Then select a cloud provider, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Microsoft Azure. The Google Cloud Platform is another option.
You're ready to go live after you have the code and the host. Simply upload your app to your hosting option, and it will be available to your users.
Web Application Development Cost
Building a web app for a simple app with a minimal UI and essential functions might cost anything from $1K to $20,000.
You may be looking at a cost of $20-100K for a more professional-looking app that may require small teams of developers and designers to work on your project for up to 3-6 months.
The cost of more extensive web application development, which includes bespoke UI/UX design, complex web app programming, many API interfaces, and more, might range from $100 to $300K and take up to 6-12 months to complete.
Metricoid Technology Services:
Custom Product Development
SAAS Applications Development
PWA (Progressive Web App)
APIs Development & Integration
BI Dashboards (Data Visualization)
