Web Application
Web Application can be defined as the program that requires web browsers to perform tasks over internet. Web Applications are basically a combination of server-side scripts and client-side scripts which are used to present information to the target audience. The server-side scripts include PHP and ASP, whereas, client-side scripts include JavaScript and HTML.
Web Applications are mainly designed for two purposes i.e. allowing the users to create documents and save important information and secondly, interacting with the company using shopping carts, filling out online forms etc.
Web application is different from a desktop application. Desktop applications are simply launched right after turning on the computer as they are available on your desktop. However, for Web applications, you need a browser and a URL (mainly internet connection) to run them.
Types of Web Application by Usage
Intranet Application
These are used within the same business, on a private basis. The purpose is to share information and for coordination among employees of an organization.
Internet Application
These are used on a public basis. These can be accessed from anywhere using internet protocol technology and area network to share information and conduct business operations.
Extranet Application
These are also used on a private basis. Extranet applications are only used to share part of a company’s information to the outside sources such as vendors, customers, suppliers, partners etc. They also use the area network and internet protocols.
Types of Web Application by Nature
Web Applications are diverse in nature. Unlike mobile apps or desktop apps, they are not restricted to just smartphones or desktops, but these can be accessed using any browser and any gadget.
Based on the diversity in nature, Web application development Dubai engages with the following kinds of web apps that will be discussed below.
Dynamic Web Applications
Dynamic Web Applications are complex in nature. They use databases to load data and the content is updated every time the user accesses them. There is an administration panel called CMS – Content Management System – that allows the administrators to correct and modify the application content which are either in the form of text or images. The programming languages that are commonly used for the development of web applications are PHP and ASP because they allow the structuring of content.
Static Web Applications
These are not easy to handle. They display very little content. Static web apps are not very flexible. They are developed using HTML and CSS but you can also design them using jQuery and Ajax. There is an option of adding animations, GIFs, videos etc. in the static apps. But when it comes to editing the content, the task can get tricky. For the editing you have to download the HTML code, modify the content and then send it back to the server. Any changes required can only be made by the webmaster or the development company that designed the application in the first place.
Shop Online or E-Commerce
These web applications are accessible via mobile phones, just the way any regular app works on the phone. This kind of web application which is an online store may resemble the features of e-commerce websites. These have their own complications because of the electronic payments from credit cards etc. being involved. A management panel for the administrator also needs to be created by the developer which will be used for listing new products, updating them, deleting entries and managing applications and payments.
Animated Web Applications
Animation is very popular now and you get to see it almost on every social forum. This is mainly associated with flash technology and is very successfully used by the creative directors all over the world. These applications have the room for creativity and modern designing. However, there is a disadvantage of these animated web applications that the SEO does not read the animations and the web positioning gets highly affected.
Portal Web Application
A portal is a private location which is accessible with a URL and needs a specific username and password. On the other hand, a web application is a public location available on the internet and does not require a username and a password. Portal apps give you an access to forums, chats, browsers, latest content through an entry point, as the word ‘portal’ implies.
Content Management System
This has also been discussed earlier. The concept is that in an interface, a constant check and balance for any kind of changes required, in terms of adding or removing content, can easily be made. This Content Management System gives you an access to your content at any point in time and the process of development never stops. These are mainly successful for personal blogs, corporate blogs, media sources and more.
Benefits of Web Applications
- Web applications run on different platforms as long as they have a compatible browser. They do not have restrictions with respect to the Operating System.
- The version that is designed is same for all users accessing from all over the world, keeping the compatibility issues aside.
- Since these do not need to be installed on the hard drive, there are no such issues such as storage limitations.
- In the subscription based web applications, the risk of software piracy is very low.
- The two main parties involved in the usage of web applications, are the company that owns the web app and the end user. Both these parties find the web apps favorable for them as the cost incurred in maintaining the web app is low for the company and the requirements for running the web application are less for the end user so it is a win-win for both.
Disadvantages of Web Applications
- Internet: Any problems occurring in the internet connection can be a reason why your web app may not work properly or not work at all.
- Browser Support: The Web app developer needs to ensure that the web app is supported by all browsers because not everyone uses the same browser to run the app.
