Web Application Development: Ultimate Guide For 2024
May 11, 2023
The global application development software market revenue is expected to cross $182.2 billion in 2024, with a projected annual growth rate of 6.53% through 2029. The US is expected to generate the most revenue in 2024, at $91.95 billion.
Web app development has progressed considerably in the past decade. Developers nowadays can build almost any kind of web app, ranging from static to interactive features resembling a real mobile app.
Successful development involves:
- Meticulous planning
- Solid design
- The appropriate toolkit
- Using the best web frameworks for building applications
- A dedicated team of developers
Not sure how to build web apps that yield success? Look no further! Our web application development guide covers all the basics so you can start from the ground up.
What is a Web Application?
Basically, web apps are interactive computer programs developed using diverse web technologies, such as HTML, CSS, JS, etc. It stores and manipulates data with CRUD operations.
When talking about the term “CRUD,” it’s a well-known acronym and is a vital component of web application development. It stands for Create, Read, Update, Delete. Web-based apps can be accessed using a web browser such as Google Chrome and comprise the ability to register or log in.
These allow users to carry out a wide range of activities over the Internet, including ordering food, performing banking transactions, and making purchases.
Four Examples of Web Applications
1. Mailchimp
Mailchimp is a platform for marketing automation specializing in marketing via email. The company has been operating since 2001. It has a stunning user interface, making it user-friendly.
2. Google Docs
Google Docs was launched in 2012. One can create, read updates, or delete documents. If you make such a web solution, you may contact a reputable web app development company.
3. Notion
The notion is a complete, notes-taking, collaboration web application that supports markdown. It was introduced in 2016 and is quickly becoming an essential part of many small-scale companies.
4. Airtable
Many use Airtable as the “Online Excel.” It’s identical to Excel in UI. However, it adds layers of functions. It makes it a formidable database solution for businesses. Airtable is a sophisticated web application that has many thousands of registered users.
Web Applications vs. Mobile Applications
Native mobile apps are made for either Android, iOS. Cross-platform or hybrid apps are accessible through the app store and stored locally on the device.
On the other hand, web-based apps are dependent on an active internet connection to be used and take up resources from the device’s CPU while in use.
Similarly, there are progressive web apps (PWAs) that are built like web applications but perform like mobile applications.
The PWA-vs-Native-vs-Hybrid-app comparison can help you understand the differences between these three types of app development processes.
What are the main types of web applications?
There are 6 main types of web applications as follows:
1. Single-Page Applications
These are known as browser-based applications that don’t require a refresh to display the content on a specific page or make any changes to the user interface. The overall architecture is built around two layers, namely, client-side and server-side.
They both communicate via AJAX through communicating API requests. The client side handles the user interface using the browser’s aid, while the server-side manages the database, including services from third parties. There are numerous examples of SPAs such as Facebook, Google Drive, Netflix, Twitter, Gmail, etc.
At JS Panther, we offer world-class web application development services and can help you build a range of solutions.
2. Progressive Web Apps
Progressive web applications, also known as PWAs, are modern software that functions and behaves just like native applications.
Upon choosing PWA development tools, businesses can get hands-on multiple advantages. PWAs can be saved to the home screen when downloaded onto your device and are a great way to improve your productivity. Ready-to-use, they are available, native-like, and can be used offline with only a couple of clicks.
Applications like Pinterest, Google Maps, Telegram, etc., are some of the most successful examples of PWAs.
3. Static Web Applications
Static web applications are designed to show content that isn’t fluid or communicative. These web applications are built using HTML and CSS, jQuery, AJAX, etc.
Businesses can seek the assistance of an experienced web development company to build such programs since they have static features and can be animated with elements, gifs, banners, and videos to make a visually appealing application.
Static web applications are best for building a simple business site, blogging sites, library websites, etc.
4. Dynamic Web Applications
Dynamic apps have a more complex structure as opposed to static web applications. These programs use databases to load data and update the content every time a user opens an app. They perform modification of the content according to the request of the user using the central administration panel.
For example, global shopping websites like Amazon, Alibaba, Etsy, display dynamic content to site visitors. They leverage earlier search history, cookies, and more to deliver a more seamless shopping experience. This helps to generate greater user engagement and revenue.
Companies prefer such solutions since they don’t require any permission from the server to display changes, so the operation of features is easy for them.
5. CMS Web Applications
These are utilized to create the content, curate it, modify it, and manage all website content. There is no need to be a professional or knowledge of a particular programming language. There are some tools available from CMS to alter web solutions.
For example, WordPress and Magento are popular content management system applications.
6. Commerce Web Applications
There are a variety of eCommerce web applications known as extensions of multi-page applications (MPAs). MPAs are highly dynamic and feature advanced functions like wish lists, online payments, real-time parcel delivery, and many more.
This helps numerous businesses in the eCommerce marketplace. Its most effective example includes eBay, Amazon, etc. are well-known as big online marketplaces.
What is web application development?
Web application development is the standard process of building web apps. This involves defining fundamental problems the application will cater to, designing UI/UX, writing frontend and backend application code, and finally launching the application.
With so many ready-made web applications available out there, you might think why build web applications? However, there are various advantages of Custom web applications for businesses and it helps to drive growth and revenue.
The service provider helps to tailor unique applications that are focused on delivering business objectives seamlessly.
Benefits of Web App Development
1. Lower operating cost
A custom web app development company can cut the overall operating costs and time to develop the app. It reduces non-essential costs, including hiring different developers, purchasing additional equipment and maintenance of the system, updates to devices, etc.
2. No downloading needed
Users can access these via an online link. It is completely free, so they do not require downloading them on their devices through an app store. These don’t take up any space on the device.
3. Compatible with browsers
Being compatible with all browsers and kinds of devices, Users can run them via an accessible URL.
4. Streamline your business processes
Investing time and effort into web applications could be a beneficial move for any business that requires large-scale data management. Not only can it simplify the process, but it can also minimize the demand for local computing hardware due to the cloud-based infrastructure.
5. Easy to maintain
Installing the software onto a host server grants users access through a single URL. This ensures that everyone has access to the same version of the web application at all times. As a result, you can effortlessly deploy the software while saying goodbye to tedious maintenance procedures; your system remains consistent.
6. Cross-platform competency
Businesses in various specialties seek applications that can be developed across platforms because they realize that having a compatible app can bring them many benefits shortly.
Web-based solutions have cross-platform compatibility, which allows them to be compatible with any platform, including iOS, Windows, Android, IOS, etc. They have the device-responsiveness capability that frees them of reliance on any operating system.
Build Cutting-Edge Web Apps with Expert Developers
Hire our talented Web App Developers for your next project
How to build web apps?
At JS Panther, we follow an agile process for developing web applications. Based on your business requirements, we can tailor flawless & unique web apps. The standard web application development process involves the following:
Step1- Analyze the problems you are solving
Do you know why most software projects fail? Well startups and enterprises often end-up building web applications with zero demands. As many 42% companies build products with no market need.
So, the foremost thing is to identify the problems you are solving through the web application. Once you identify it, it’s time to brainstorm ideas and identify the main stakeholders.
Discussion with the stakeholders helps gain insights and enlist functional features for the web application.
Step2- Define the workflow of your web application
Do not overfill your application with unnecessary features; instead, focus on the major aspects. Creating a blueprint for the application is an essential step for a successful product.
This involves identifying the functional features, their interrelations, and the flow of elements. This helps to create high-quality web apps with smooth workflows.
Step3- Design UI/UX
Wireframing tools can create a flow of elements and display natural screen transitions. Thai helps to have a detailed view of how the web application works. Our web developers team shares the UI/UX design for your approval.
Step4- Deciding the Technology Stack
Incorporating the appropriate technology stack in both back-end and front-end development will allow you to develop a highly innovative, flexible, scalable, reliable, and quick-acting web solution to ensure an established position in the market.
Learn the various technologies needed to create an effective web application.
Front-end Technology: JavaScript, Angular, React, Vue, HTML, CSS
Back-end Programming Languages: PHP, Ruby, Go, Django, Java, Python,
Databases: PostgreSQL, Oracle, MySQL, Microsoft Access, MongoDB,
Back-end Servers: Nginx, IIS, Apache, etc.
Step5- Database, frontend, and backend development
This step involves working on the following aspects of the web application:
Database: We use the best database software for web apps by determining and weighing your unique requirements. This helps us to create a good database management system that powers the application for smooth performance.
Frontend: The frontend is the visible part of the web application. Users interact with it, and building it involves using HTML, CSS, and JS. The top JavaScript frameworks we use for building web apps are React.js, Angular, Vue.js, Ember, etc.
Backend: The backend is not accessible to website visitors and is one of the most complex sections of web application development. Backend development involves building key functional features that ensure proper response based on the user’s input.
It provides HTTP endpoints for your frontend, such as for authenticating users and authorization and serving the frontend. Development frameworks like Laravel, Node.js, Django, and others helps web app developers create the backend quickly.
Step6- Test your web application
You can deploy both manual and unit testing procedures. At this phase, the QA team determines whether the web applications perform as expected. Every section of the code is thoroughly checked for functionality, usability, and performance. We test the solution on various inputs to ensure robust security and scalability.
Step7- Host and deploy your web application
Now is the time to start the program, so you’ll need a hosting web service. Hosting allows you to run your web application on a server and make it available via web browsers.
At this step, you need to purchase a domain and choose a reliable cloud hosting provider. Once this is done, you can launch the web application on the server and make it available to users.
Conclusion
Web application development is essential for any business that wishes to be a leader in the digital world and connect with potential customers in the upcoming years.
JS Panther can assist you if you want to enter the market with a fully featured and scalable web application. Our team’s designers and developers are experts in creating enterprise video portals, dynamic CMS, eCommerce sites, and more.
To boost your brand’s visibility among customers, promote your services and products efficiently, and gain a competitive edge, hire experts from our web app development company today. Reach out to us anytime!
