For many years, we can see how the way you surf the Internet has changed radically. The times in which people had to wait to get home to see the news on the computer, have been left behind , and that is that thanks to technological advances, all this is within reach of our hand today.
The appearance of the smart terminals is the main engine of this great change, which has also transformed our life habits. Therefore, many webmasters focus on the development of a Web App and see it as an important requirement. This term may not seem very familiar, but then you will learn more about the subject, including its uses, applications, advantages, disadvantages and some appropriate comparisons.
It is important to note that the term “ App ” refers to the abbreviation of “ Application ” and since 2008 began to become popular , when mobile phones started using the Internet and granted the ease of being able to download different types of applications on it. In this sense, a PWA is nothing more than another version of a web page, adapted to any mobile device. This can be opened through the browser of any terminal regardless of the operating system you use.
Index:
What is a Web App? Definition
A Web App or “ web application ” is an improved version of the web page, as mentioned. In this way, it is an optimized interpretation of it and also adjusted to any mobile device or tablet, which can be opened from all browsers regardless of the operating system you use.
>
Since it loads on the web server and runs in the browser, does not require a previous installation . In addition to this, it is possible to create a shortcut for it on the desktop of the traditional computer or on the home screen of mobile terminals by means of a bookmark.
Today, the range of web applications is very wide, which range from small tools to graphic software or browser games. Also going through the adaptations of recognized programs, such as instant messaging services or Office packages .
In short, these have become a remarkable fragment of everyday life from the use of Smartphones and Tablets worldwide. Also taking into account that its use is not restricted to mobile devices but they are also accepted by desktop computers.
What uses and applications can we get with a Web App?
The most substantial use that is being given to web applications now is in the business environment . Given that it is an optimal strategy that has emerged for companies. Since from this type of applications, you can choose to transform the company’s website to be used with a web interface. Which ultimately allows greater customer attraction and also promotes the following fundamental factors that will benefit your business :
- Interact with the client : Offers companies a timely approach with their users in real time. In addition to publicizing very important information such as realizing about geolocation, consumption habits and noticing the user’s profile. This will surely cause the customer to repeat their purchase or obtain the service.
- Increase the ROI : Create one is not very economical and therefore, most entrepreneurs prefer to save the money before establishing it. But in reality it is worth making an investment in it, because it could ensure the increase in ROI, thereby increasing sales and improving the company’s brand image.
- Boosting products and services : It allows you to meet each of your clients and at the same time, interact with them in order to offer them different offers.
- Expand your users database : It also allows access to future potential customers, which over the years becomes more complicated.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using them?
To find out what a Web App is about and all that it includes, it is valuable to take into account its advantages and disadvantages that we present below:
Advantages
- It’s cross platform; It has a great adaptation to any mobile device.
- It does not occupy memory in the device.
- It does not require updates, since you can always access the latest version of the web application.
- It saves time because it does not require a previous download to run it.
- They are little affected by viruses.
- Their operation is always optimal while Use any modern browser.
- They require a much simpler and more efficient development than other applications.
- They are easy to design: simple language and little technical complexity.
- Can reach all users.
Disadvantages
- Its use requires an Internet connection.
- By law, all information is downloaded every time the user connects to the web application. This translates as a barrier for the person and not only in charging time but also in the amount of information downloaded to the device (important if the user does not have Wi-Fi connection).
- You cannot using the device’s functions, so the functionality will always be limited.
- Because it is not inside the app stores, it loses visibility and thus cannot compete against common applications. Then its effect is reduced to the scope it obtains only with the related web page.
Differences between Web App and native application
It is necessary to know the main differences that exist between a Web App and a Native App or “native application” . In view of this, we announce the following characteristics:
- A Web App always requires an Internet connection, while a native application does not need it.
- The web application does not need to be downloaded in app stores or AppStore. Now, for the native application you must have good knowledge to develop Android and Apple Apps.
- Web applications cannot send Push Notifications and Native Apps if they do.
- While that the programming of a native application is simple and expensive, the programming of a web application is not.
- Web applications support all operating systems and terminals. But native applications are developed for use on a certain platform, that is, they cannot be handled on more than one operating system.
Differences between Web App and website
On several occasions people often confuse a web page with such applications , which is not fair. Consequently, it is valuable to know first-hand the most substantial differences between these and a web page , which we provide here:
- Pages or websites are static, which means that they are not updated daily. Instead, these apps are much more dynamic and are constantly changing.
- The web application depends on user interaction to achieve its goal, while the website only provides information to it and does not relate to he concisely.
- The web page is built using HTML, CSS, and maybe some JavaScript. The Web App also adds to this the use of programming languages such as PHP, Ruby or Python, and frameworks such as Rails, Django and Scriptcase.
- Websites are cheaper and estimate less time to develop them . Unlike its counterparts, which generally costs more and needs more time for development, especially due to the requirement of programming languages or databases.
List of the best Web Apps so far
Finally, know the best Web Apps that have emerged so far:
- The renowned social network Facebook, who does not have the latest version of FB on your phone?
- Google Maps which has a very notable and that you will surely have used on more than one occasion.
- Reddit , one of the largest Internet forums, especially in English, with thousands of subforums and debates.
- Telegram , the star messaging application that counts is its own App, still behind WhatsApp but it follows closely.
- Filmaffinity ; It has one that works great where you can see thousands of movie reviews.
- AliExpress
- Flipkart
- Twitter Lite
- BookMyShow
- Forbes
- OLX
- MakeMyTrip
- Settled