Web applications, also called web apps, are programs that are stored on a server and can be used by third parties (clients). Therefore, a web application is a client-server model.
Their functionality is based on HTML, CSS and JavaScript Simply put, they represent online software whose services can be used from various devices and locations.
The exchange of information between the server and the client accessing it is based on internet connections.
Therefore, a web application can be seen as a website with significantly higher interactive potential.
Web applications are examples Webshops, Internet banking programs and Content management systems (CMS).
The functionality is based on a connection between a browser located on the client side, a web server, and the actual web application.
When the web application is accessed via the browser, the request is sent from the browser to the server, which forwards it to the web application.
The web application then generates HTML source code, which is sent back to the browser. The graphical user interface of the web application is now visible in the browser.
The web application is distributed across two different locations:
You can find a great tutorial on creating your first web app here:
In this way, it is possible to provide clients with a higher level of service. Usability to ensure this, as they do not require any special computer and programming skills.
The client can now initiate various actions via the user interface, which are sent to the web application in the same way, processed by it, and the changes are sent back to the user interface in the browser.
During processing, so-called session data is stored on the server, which makes it possible to trace changes retrospectively.
Therefore, working via web applications is advantageous when secure internet connections exist and little internal storage space is available, and this has been the case since the introduction of HTML5 It is also possible to work in an offline mode of the web application.
All program functions, processed data, and changes are saved on the web server. Additionally, there is the option to save the processed data locally on your own network or on your own local servers.
By storing the data on a server accessible via an internet connection, it is possible to access and work with the data from many different locations worldwide and from any number of devices. The operating system used is irrelevant.
If problems arise, it is the responsibility of the web application provider to find a solution and provide smoothly functioning software.
During outages, work can continue locally until specialists have restored the software. This also saves the client the maintenance costs of the web application.
Especially on mobile devices, a lot of work and browsing is done via apps. These apps are not displayed to the user as a normal browser interface, but are specifically developed for a particular topic or by a specific company and are directly connected to their web application.
This eliminates the need to enter the URL and allows users to start browsing the website or online shop directly.
Web applications have many uses. Webshops, content management systems, and online banking applications have already been mentioned.
The goal is to save storage space on local data storage through web applications, and thus to outsource computing power.
Furthermore, the workflow can be improved and adapted to modern working conditions: Everything is included, from business trips to working from home.
It is known that: The more interconnected the systems are, the more vulnerable they are to external attacks.
For this reason, web application developers are continuously working to improve the software – not only in terms of its functions, but also with regard to protective measures.
In this way, the vulnerability of the systems is minimized and the Safety The systems and data are optimized.
Examples of web applications include webmail, word processing programs, and spreadsheets.
Video and photo editing, file conversion and file scanning are also applications.
There are popular email programs such as Yahoo and gmail, and instant messaging services are also web applications.
Web applications allow team members to collaborate on the same document, including Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Sheets and cloud storage.
Online calendar sharing is also a web application.
Web applications are evolving to meet the increasing demand for mobile web usage. Developers are creating more and more mobile apps that connect to the internet.
An example of this development is the Dropbox app or the Facebook app, which you can download and use on your phone or tablet.
Other examples include shopping carts, online retail sales, online auctions, wikis, and online banking.
Web apps differ from native apps.
Native apps are applications developed for a specific platform or device. They must be installed on that device. Some applications combine both functions.
IT specialists call them hybrid applications. Hybrid apps function like web apps, but you install them on your device like a native app. Hybrid apps can also leverage device-specific resources to their advantage.
Native applications can sometimes run without an internet connection. Web apps and hybrid applications cannot.
Very easily: Web applications behave like programs. Consequently, they are directly accessible from the desktop and extremely easy to use. This directly increases revenue.
Web applications, or web apps, are software programs that are available to clients via the internet.
Thus, the web application is divided spatially:
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