Organizations started using web applications to improve their interactions with multiple companies and generate the most revenue.
Every business has invested in building web applications for a better business impression.
From large entrepreneurs to mid-size companies, everyone makes their own web app as per business requirements.
Web applications have become part of our daily routine. Because almost 5 billion active web applications are working on the internet for multiple business purposes, they are all built with different types and strategies.
Web applications are easier and more flexible for users because they are easy to access on every device and do not need more space to run.
Do you know how many different web apps there are now for business? This document will study various types of web applications and their benefits and challenges.
What is a Web Application?
A web application is a platform that users can use directly in a web browser without installing or downloading the application.
It builds on various technologies, including HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. When building web apps, it is important to follow the trend of increasing user interaction and building web applications that function and work well on all devices.
Zennaxx’s developers help build different web applications according to business types. So, there are several types of web applications in the market, from which you can choose the one that best suits your business.
Let’s understand the types of web applications.
11 Types of Web Applications
Among the multiple types of web applications, here we discuss 11 types of web applications with key highlights and success examples.
Static Web Applications
As the name suggests, a static web application provides the direct information needed to view it as a user or visitor. It does not require a server to generate or maintain the website.
It is already a pre-built, stable website built on HTML, CSS, and Javascript, although developers cannot change the files they develop through coding or make changes in real-time codes.
Considering their functionality, they are simple to use and suitable for companies that do not require frequent changes.
Comparatively, they are fast and secure websites as they do not depend on server-side coding and scripting databases.
A static website is ideal for your business if you want to showcase your portfolio, brochure, or fixed content. It is best for a small—to medium-sized business providing fixed services.
Key Functionality:
- The static website provides a quick loading time as it is not dependent on any server.
- Highly secure, as there is no chance of a cyberattack because of no dependency from the server side.
- Does not need any hosting or extra maintenance efforts.
Dynamic Web Applications
Dynamic web applications help make real-time changes in the content or overall wireframe of the app or website.
It depends on user and visitor interaction, which is highly reliable for server functioning and scripting.
Developers use technologies like PHP and Node.js to develop dynamic web applications. These deliver content dynamically, and editing is highly flexible on the same website.
Key Features:
- Easy updating of content according to the latest trends for better user interaction.
- Highly customizable and easy to edit based on the preferences and behaviour of interaction.
- It depends on the single server functionality, scripting, and database management.
- Dynamic web applications can handle a high range of functionality and data-processing tasks.
Example: Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc., are dynamic web applications. As they continuously change their content and UI styles.
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Single-Page Applications (SPAs)
Single-page applications are just one page that loads while searching. Developers create them using simple HTML and CSS.
These web apps heavily rely on JavaScript frameworks like Angular and ReactJS.
Key Features:
- As it is just a single page, it is faster and requires minimal effort to load. In a way, it loads faster than other sites.
- Easy update of content for better performance.
- Developers should be fluent and have extraordinary knowledge of all Javascript frameworks to build single-page web apps.
Example: Gmail is a single-page web app that enables users to easily send, receive, and send emails from a one-page screen.
Multi-Page Web Applications (MPAs)
It consists of multiple web pages on a single website. It depends on the server side, where users navigate to different pages to get information.
When comparing the architecture of multiple-page apps to SPAs, the concept leans towards the traditional side.
Key Features:
- Each web page consists of its own URL structure.
- It becomes easier to rank multiple web app pages by performing SEO.
- Viewing different pages requires loading, so every page view has a particular reload time.
- Developers develop it using traditional development tactics.
Example: Online or e-newspapers like the New York Times are multiple-page web apps where you can view one article.
It loads with a different URL structure and appears as a separate page.
Progressive Web Applications (PWAs)
Web and mobile apps combine to give users the experience of native applications. Users can easily install them on their mobile phones or desktops without hassle.
These apps take up less space on any device, making them efficient and convenient. They are alternatives to the original applications.
They have similar functionality but are lightweight and versatile. This solution is perfect for users who want to save space. They can keep the full abilities of native apps in progressive web applications.
Key Features:
- It can work and function without an internet connection.
- Easy to install on any device, mobile phone, or desktop setup.
- Comparatively, it has faster loading times than other web apps.
Example: Twitter Lite offers a mobile app experience with offline capabilities and push notifications.
Content Management Systems (CMS)
A CMS is one of the easiest web applications to use. It helps you manage content-related tasks quickly. You don’t need any technical skills for development or maintenance; it’s a simple platform.
With a CMS, you can easily manage, edit, and publish your content on the internet. It’s easy to use and manage, and it also gives you plenty of options to edit your content whenever you need to.
Key Features:
- User-friendly and easier to use for non-tech users.
- Supports all types of content.
- Efficiently manages small blogs to prominent blogs, as it specialises in managing the content.
- Easily customizable and provides multiple pre-built theme options and plugins for better functionality.
Example: WordPress is one of the most popular and liked by everyone in content management systems and also helps build top-notch websites and maintain online stores.
eCommerce Web Applications
A well-known type of web application is an eCommerce web application that helps visitors make easy purchases, manage orders, and browse products endlessly.
Development is a bit complex as it is equally important in backend and frontend development.
Each side is supposed to create different ways to maintain orders, manage inventory, and much more.
Developers develop the front end to please customers and encourage them to place orders.
Key Features:
- It is easy to manage and handle product listings, inventory, and pricing.
- Easy to integrate payment gateways for secure transactions.
- Can manage the user profile and order history data seamlessly.
- It can track customer behavior by its ordering hierarchy and data.
Example: Amazon is an online marketplace where users can buy various products.
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JavaScript-Powered Web Applications
Developers build these web applications using robust JavaScript frameworks and libraries. They are highly dynamic and respond smoothly to user interactions.
With a more appealing and attractive user interface, they provide a great user experience.
You can download them as apps on your phone. Or, use them on desktops without downloading or installing anything.
Key Features:
- Highly attractive user interface with a dynamic content upload capacity.
- Smooth performance on the user-side activity.
- Built using React JS, Angular, and Vue.js.
- Highly scalable with its features and functionalities.
Example: Netflix, where JavaScript handles complex interactions and data rendering.
Rich Internet Web Applications (RIAs)
Portal web applications are often built for personal and internal use in the corporate office between employees and teams.
It requires special authentication and has a server that leads to the functionality of such web apps.
Teams use these apps to avoid communication gaps, manage customer-side issues, and keep records in an online database.
Key Features:
- Highly personalized and tailored content-based user roles.
- It can integrate with multiple third-party tools for the resources and better use case.
- It has authoritative control and access and easily helps in managing user services.
Example: A corporate office uses the intranet portal to access employee resources such as emails and other tools.
Portal Web Applications
Businesses use web applications with rich media and content to attract users and visitors.
Portal web applications facilitate easy interaction among visitors, utilizing CSS3 and HTML5 to create highly engaging websites.
It is complex to build as it takes care of the smallest things, while development and animation are difficult to manage and develop.
Key Features:
- High interactive website type for high user engagement.
- Rich animation for visitor interaction.
- Easy navigation to elevate user experience.
Example: Large gaming sites used by professional gamers take up heavy loads. Educational platforms also highly use animated web applications.
Animated Web Applications
Field experts use rich and advanced applications, collectively known as rich internet applications.
These applications successfully run in a web browser but act like downloadable applications. They can process data with consistent user performance and have fewer load times.
Key Features:
- Highly interactive with user engagement.
- Faster and responsive interface.
- It is complex to develop from the developing site.
- It offers a desktop-like user experience, incorporating features commonly found in desktop applications.
Example: Applications like Adobe Flash and Microsoft Silverlight are some of the best rich internet applications.
Benefits of Web Applications for Businesses
Why web application is so popular now days? Here are some of the main benefits which give more benefits to the business while choosing web application.
Accessibility
Users consider the web application to be highly accessible, as they can use it from any web browser, anywhere, and anytime, as long as they have an internet connection.
- 1. No installation needed to use the application.
- 2. Remotely accessible anytime and anywhere.
- 3. Real-time access to data.
Cost-effectiveness
Considering the cost, web applications are often cost-effective for multiple businesses in several ways because:
- 1. Lower development costs.
- 2. Lesser maintenance costs.
- 3. Highly scalable.
- 4. It has a subscription model for users.
Scalability
Web applications stand out for businesses seeking interactive solutions that drive growth quickly. It offers unique solutions with few constraints.
- 1. Can easily handle the large traffic interaction.
- 2. Resource management and flexibility.
- 3. Worldwide reach for global users and market reach.
- 4. Easily adapts the business needs.
Challenges of Web Applications for Businesses
With a multitude of benefits, web application also have some drawbacks. Here are three main challenges that organizations have to accept when choosing web app development for future business.
Security
Security issues can occur at times, considering the web applications for businesses.
Businesses can face multiple factors, such as unauthorized access or cyber threats.
However, by taking into account the security of web applications, it is possible to avoid certain factors.
- Consistent checking of security with website audits and checking.
- Encrypted data practice.
- Coding practices should be secure.
- 2 step authentication and authorization for unauthorized access.
- Security API measures.
Performance Issues
Sometimes, performance web applications can detour business regulation. Loading the coding data typically impacts loading times.
High loading times can affect user interaction with your brand.
Poorly coded data by developers can easily affect website performance, so consistent, high-quality coding testing aids in optimization.
Additionally, the web application must be highly compatible with all browsers.
Online-only Used
Traditionally developed web apps can be easily accessed with an internet connection.
However, if users want to work in remote locations without a network or internet connection, these web apps cannot work.
Internet dependency can affect and hinder the usage of web applications in certain situations. Low internet or a dropped connection can also hinder work progress and disturb it throughout.
Conclusion
Today, modern times call for modern technology and web applications to justify modernization.
Web applications are essential parts of any business, representing the business exactly as users and visitors expect from brands and companies.
Despite the existence of numerous obstacles, the product finds widespread use among users worldwide.
It is essential to address challenges, overcome them, make changes for implementation, and then launch in the market for a better response and impression.
