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Six Different Types of Web Apps

People often confuse a web application with a website, however web apps are a way more powerful tool than a website. A web app refers to an applicatio...

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People often confuse a web application with a website, however web apps are a way more powerful tool than a website. A web app refers to an application program that can be stored on a remote server and can run in a web browser. In simpler terms it is any website that performs some functions for users. An example of a popular web app is Google Sheets. It can be accessed through a web browser and has similar capabilities of Microsoft Excel.

Websites on the other hand are primarily informational. With them you can access a collection of documents via the internet through a web browser. Web sites can also contain web applications, which allow visitors to complete online tasks such as: Search, View, Buy, Checkout and Pay.

For instance, a university website likely gives information such as location, tuition rates, programs available, etc. But it will also likely have web applications that allow teachers to manage grades and course materials as well as let students register or withdraw from courses and so on.

Similar to websites however, web applications can run on any browser, either on fixed computers, laptops or mobile devices. Just like that the line between websites and web apps begins to blur. So, in order to clear things up let’s look at six different types of web apps.

Static Web Apps

Static Web Apps are typically the most simply type of web app since they display limited content and lack flexibility. Professional portfolios and digital resumes are two examples of static web apps. Customarily, these apps are built in CSS and HTML; however, there are other platforms that can develop static web apps such as jQuery and Ajax.

Even though static web apps also allow animated objects, such as banners, GIFs, videos, etc. modifying the content is not easy. In order to do so, the HTML code needs to first download, then be modified  and sent back to the server. Therefore, a professional webmaster or development company is the best plan for this type of web app.

Dynamic Web Apps

Dynamic Web Apps have an increased level of technical complexity when compared to static web apps. They employ databases to load data and its contents is constantly updated whenever users access them. This is usually thanks the Content Management Systems (CMS) that come with dynamic apps so administrative users can edit content easily. As well as add extra features like forums and databases. 

Although editing content is easier with dynamic web apps, the programming part can get a little difficult. It all depends on what programming language you go with. ASP and PHP are the most popular languages for building and developing dynamic web applications because they allow the structuring of contents. Nowadays, however there are more platforms popping up that make building dynamic web apps much easier, such as Laravel. 

Learn about Working With Laravel

E-Commerce Web Apps

This kind of web application refers to an online store, similar to Mobile Commerce apps or an eCommerce site. Any type of web app or website that deals with transactions can get tricky because it involves many payment modes like PayPal or credit cards along with other functions.

Some of those functions include listing new products, deleting entries and managing payments to name a few. In order for administrators to do this they have to develop a management panel. This is where a professional developer is especially recommended. A developer can even make this web app mobile friendly so you and your customers can interact with it as if it were a native app.

Portal Web Apps

A Portal Web App is a kind of application that can acquire different sections through a single homepage. What that means is that when a user logs in, the portal app authorizes the service provider in order to track all the user website activity. This ways it’s easier for users to utilize things like chats, e-mails, or browsers and access the latest content.

Animated Web Apps

Animated Web Applications are closely linked with Flash technology. These applications let you to present your content with animated effects. This type of app provides a large scope of creativity and design that isn’t offered in any other type of web application. However, the limitation here is that it is highly unsuitable for the purpose of web positioning and SEO since search engines are unable to read the data they obtain.

Web Apps with a Content Management System

We previously touched base on CMS when discussing Dynamic Web Apps. However, a CMS is key not only for web apps, but for websites too because content should be constantly changed and updated by an administrator. But, in this case lets stick to the most well known CMS for web apps: WordPress, Joomla and Drupal.

WordPress – The most common, well known and widespread content management system. The internet is flooded with WordPress tutorials and guides to help understand and utilize it.

Joomla – Comes next after WordPress as the most known CMS. Even though it doesn’t have as many users it does come with a strong intuitive community.

Drupal – As a free and adaptable CMS software, Drupal is usually used and recommended when structuring communities.

Web applications like these are widely used, especially for blogs, news pages, articles, media and so on. These type of web apps are so powerful that you could even integrate them into your website. 

Other considerations when developing web applications:

  • A web app is not the same thing as a native app, even if they look similar
  • Just like with websites you will need to comply with cookie regulations and enhance security against possible hacker attacks
  • Remember to address SEO because web apps can also rank on search engines like websites do on Google, Bing, Yahoo etc
  • The pressure is on to make web applications similar to the mobile apps but it’s possible with less investment

Web Application Development @ Iblesoft

If you are looking for web app consultants or web app development services, then Contact Iblesoft Today!

We have experienced and qualified web app developers that can develop any type of web app regardless of how complex your app idea is! 

Our business is your solution.

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