Once upon a time, website development was the ruling industry in every business sector. Then came the smartphone era and the demands of mobile applications.
We are now going through the web application era. What is a web based application, and why is the concept of developing web based applications so popular these days?
If you’re new to creating web applications, this article is here to guide you through how to build a web based application.
It aims to simplify the process and provide solutions to any challenges that may arise in building web apps.
How should you start the process of designing a web app? This comprehensive guide, with 15 steps on how to build a web based application, answers your every question and guides you in the right direction.
What is a Web App?
A web application is software hosted on a remote server, not stored directly on your device like a typical app.
You can access it simply by opening a web browser. Modern web apps are designed to have the appearance and functionality of native mobile apps.
When you install a web app on your device, a shortcut to the app appears on your home screen, similar to having a direct link to content without having to download and store the app.
Since the code resides on a remote server, users can access the application from any device with an internet connection, making it highly flexible and accessible.
The system automates updates and maintenance, eliminating the need for users to manually install patches or updates.
With the help of these technologies, developers can produce responsive and interactive user interfaces that are just as responsive and fluid as native applications.
Furthermore, the concept of progressive web apps (PWAs) has gained traction in the industry. PWAs combine the best features of web and native apps, offering users a seamless experience across different devices and platforms.
But here we discuss how to build a web based application with the right strategy.
The benefits of a web app over a mobile app
Web applications offer a number of benefits. Recently, almost all major enterprises have started using them as part of their offerings.
Let’s learn about some of the most common benefits associated with web apps.
Accessibility
The most known benefit of web apps is accessibility. Since they are not built for a specific platform, it is easier for the user to access them from any device with a good Internet connection.
Team members working from different workplaces can share documents, CMS (Content management system), and other business services through web applications.
Efficient Development and Cost Effectiveness
The web application development process of web apps is comparatively simple and less costly than that of mobile apps.
Small teams can build computer programs efficiently as the development cycle of web apps is simpler and shorter.
A single version of a web app can be accessible across all browsers and devices, which makes it even more affordable.
Easy to Maintain
Since the web apps are platform-independent, they are built using a coding language that is common across all the platforms. Mostly, they are built with a combination of server-side and client-side scripts.
For example, a combination of PHP with HTML and Javascript is needed. This is why web apps are easier to maintain than mobile apps.
User simplicity
Web apps are not downloaded from any app store. They are always up-to-date as and when any user opens them in any browser or device.
This is why they are at less risk of security breach issues.
Scalability
Businesses aren’t required to invest in additional storage capacity as the majority of the web application data is stored in the cloud.
In addition, companies using web apps can add users as and when they need them without any additional infrastructure upgrade or costly hardware installation.
Thus, web apps are useful for those businesses that are seeking future growth.
Types of web apps
- Content Management Systems (CMS): Especially for digital content creators, these web apps allow a user to create, edit, and manage digital content, e.g. websites, blogs, and online stores.
- E-commerce Platforms: Most popular one! These businesses are able to sell products or services online, facilitate transactions, and manage inventories and customer relations through E-commerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, etc.
- Social Networking Sites: Who are unaware of these now?! Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are web apps that connect users and help them communicate, share, and expand their networks remotely. These apps have changed the digital era of connecting remotely.
- Online Collaboration Tools: A real-time sharing of documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and much more with the help of web apps, such as collaboration tools like Google Workspace and Microsoft Office 365, enables users to collaborate for better business processes. These apps have become very useful in recent years.
- Project Management Systems: A very useful type of web app is project management tools such as Trello, Asana, Basecamp, etc. These apps help teams organize tasks, track progress, and perform business processes efficiently, even while working remotely.
How to create a web app in 2024: 15 steps
If you are searching for how to build a web based application, there are many online resources and tutorials available.
But you need to know it from scratch, which is why here is the simplified method of building a web application.
It starts from the ideation stage, then the designing and developing stage, and the last most important part of any web application, launched with a strong strategy to block the market.
Let’s break down every part of web application development and understand it in detail.
A. Ideation Stage
Developing a new product always begins with transforming an idea into something tangible. During this ideation phase, keep the users in mind while remaining enthusiastic, focused, and adaptable.
Building a product that fulfils consumer needs and differentiates itself from competitors in the market is made possible by this.
We come up with ideas, conduct research, and specify the purpose and distinctive features of our app during the ideation stage.
1. Source an idea
The goal of this phase is not to have a perfect set of ideas ready to go. Instead, we should hold brainstorming sessions in which we prioritize solving customer problems.
We aim to generate lots of rough and untested ideas that we can narrow down later.
When approaching brainstorming from a customer problem-solving perspective, we begin by acknowledging that if we have a problem, so do others.
We can create products that deal with these pain points and challenges by identifying and describing them.
2. Research your target market and competition
The first step in developing any new product should always be user research. The team must gain a clear and unbiased understanding of the users, their problems, the number of people who are experiencing them, and the competition for solving them.
This market research stage provides insights into the user base and competitors, guiding the technical decisions for the web app.
3. Plan key functionality and features of the web app
Adding more features to the web app increases the construction time and can result in frustration. Focus on the must-have features, the ones the web app should have, and the ones it could have.
Outlining these features helps clarify what the project absolutely requires and what will be necessary in the long run. This keeps development focused and efficient, reducing unnecessary delays and complications.
B. Designing UX & UI Stage
The most important aspects of design in any app are user experience designs (UX) and user interface designs (UI), which help to create a visually appealing and user-friendly app that is easily adaptable.
At this stage, you can keep UX and UI in mind. The simpler, the better. Keeping the app design clean and clutter-free will make it easier for users to adjust. It should not be confusing or irritating to the user.
Keep the app’s theme consistent. Users remember the app because of design aspects such as colours, typefaces, and navigation.
Try to keep the app’s design as consistent as possible. Ensure that your software is available to all users.
1. Map out the user journey
A user journey map shows how people move through a web app. It tells the story of how users behave and focuses on what they want.
By mapping out each step of the journey, we can see why users do what they do and what problems they encounter. This allows us to create better experiences that are easier for them.
2. Wireframe the app
Wireframes are simplified representations of how a digital app will appear and function, similar to blueprints. They describe the layout, organization, and connections between various app components.
Consider them rough sketches or early designs that detail the app’s appearance and functionality.
Wireframes can depict not only the Frontend interface but also the Backend database and coding workflows.
Wireframes help developers and designers get a clear picture of what the final product will look like before moving forward with full application development.
3. Build a clickable prototype
When more interactive features are added to the wireframes, they become prototypes that closely resemble how the final web app will look and function.
These prototypes incorporate interactive aspects that make users feel as if they are using the actual app. This allows people to test the features and gain direct knowledge through the user journey.
This interactive prototype is extremely useful because it allows for feedback on how the app works, how it is designed, and how user-friendly it is.
This feedback helps improve the app before devoting time and resources to full-scale development.
4. Visual design
During this phase, UI designers create mockups that visually represent how the app will appear. They choose fonts, colours, icons, shapes, buttons, and illustrations to create a consistent design.
They may also use motion design elements like animations and transitions as needed.
Beyond simply making things look good, the design process is heavily influenced by ensuring the user’s usability and functionality.
The primary goal is to create a user experience that is not only visually appealing but also intuitive and useful.
C. Development Stage
This stage involves actual actions in how to build a web based application and its backend and frontend components of your web app.
Choose the most appropriate programming languages, frameworks, and libraries for your web application’s purpose. Build the server-side logic, database, and APIs that will enhance your app’s functionality and performance.
It is also time to test the app by identifying and resolving any bugs or issues before moving on to the next stage to ensure a smooth launch.
1. Choose your tech stack
It’s important to remember the following steps while developing a web app:
1. Building Frontend Features: This involves developing the visual elements with which users interact. The front end must be visually appealing and user-friendly. HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are popular programming languages used for this purpose.
2. Building Backend Features: The back end is the web app’s foundation, processing data and performing server-side operations. Backend technologies include frameworks, server-side languages, databases, web servers, and operating systems. This is where the app’s core functionality is located.
Following these steps will ensure that your web application development process is well-rounded, addressing both the visual aspects and the underlying functionality.
2. Architect your database
Your web or mobile app’s code is stored in a database that serves as a server. This database manages your program’s day-to-day operations.
When it comes to choosing a database, MySQL and MongoDB dominate the market, making the decision-making process easier.
Once a database has been selected, developers frequently use the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture to design the app’s structure.
What is a database
Databases can be simple spreadsheets or complex systems that power large-scale applications and websites. They are important for businesses, organizations, and individuals in terms of data storage and management, allowing them to store, retrieve, and manipulate information as needed.
Database types
SQL
SQL databases are designed around a predefined schema that specifies the tables, fields, and data relationships.
Document Database
Because document databases lack a schema, each document can have its structure, providing greater flexibility in data modelling.
3. Decide how to segregate your data
Physical separation
Physical separation is the process of physically isolating different sets of data on separate hardware or servers.
Pros: Enhanced security, better performance.
Cons: Higher infrastructure costs more complex management.
Logical separation
Logical separation refers to the organization and management of data within a shared infrastructure using logical criteria.
Pros: Simplified management, cost-effective.
Cons: Potential performance issues limited scalability.
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D. Ensure your database is secured
To protect your database, use strong authentication and encryption for data in transit and at rest, update software on a regular basis, enable auditing and logging, configure secure networks, establish robust backup and recovery procedures, and conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
1. Develop your Frontend
The front end of an application is where users interact visually, and it is built with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
There are several frameworks available to help streamline web development processes and improve Frontend functionality.
These frameworks include pre-built components and tools that help to accelerate development and enhance user experience designs.
2. Build backend APIs
The logic and data of an application are handled by the backend, which runs on servers, web browsers, or user devices.
The decision between multiple-page and single-page architectures is critical for backend development because it determines how pages are served and navigated.
Multi-page apps reload entire pages, whereas single-page apps update content dynamically without requiring a full reload, improving the user experience.
3. Integrate Frontend with Backend APIs
API integration enables data exchange between an application’s front and back ends.
By linking Frontend and Backend APIs, information flow is enabled, allowing for seamless interaction between user interfaces and underlying data processes.
This integration ensures smooth communication and functionality across the entire application ecosystem.
4. Test your web app and improve
Agile development focuses on iterative and smooth testing processes. Positive testing ensures that the application performs as expected and can handle unexpected scenarios effectively.
This iterative testing approach allows for continuous improvement and adaptation throughout the development lifecycle, promoting quality assurance and responding to changing requirements.
E. Launch Stage
The final phase of development entails releasing the finished web application, which includes choosing a hosting platform and deploying it for users to access.
1. Host your web app
Application hosting makes online software available via the cloud, allowing instant global access.
Server selection may be based on your technology stack or personal preferences.
Top cloud hosting providers such as Amazon, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud provide reliable infrastructure and services for web application hosting, ensuring scalability and security.
2. Deploy your web app
This final step requires the web app to be moved from source control to the chosen cloud hosting provider. This process is streamlined with tools like GitLab and Bitbucket, ensuring a smooth deployment.
According to Agile and DevOps principles, deployment initiates a continuous cycle of feedback, refinement, and delivery.
This iterative approach ensures that new features and improvements are constantly released, promoting continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
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Businesses today are expected to provide smooth universal experiences on social media, mobile apps, and the web.
Whether a web-based application or improving an old one, time-to-market is essential.
Zennaxx can help you expedite your project by providing full-stack web development expertise or how to build a web based application.
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Contact us for advice on choosing the best web application for your company or expert full-stack development services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I build a web based application app with C++?
- Yes, but it’s not common. Most web apps are built with languages like JavaScript, Python, or Ruby.
- How much does building a web app cost?
- Costs vary based on complexity, features, and developer rates. Basic apps can start from a few thousand dollars, while complex ones can cost tens of thousands or more. For more details Contact us.
- Why is Python not best for web development?
- Python is suitable for web application development, but it may not be the best choice for high-performance real-time applications due to its interpreted nature and global interpreter lock (GIL).
- Is it not expensive to build an app or website?
- It depends on the scope and features. Basic apps or websites can be affordable, but more complex ones may require a larger investment.
