Over 5 billion mobile users exist across the globe. Learning about web-based applications will help you understand how they’re different from websites.

When people think of apps, they think of the native apps they find in mainstream app stores. Nonetheless, web apps’ convenience and user-friendliness make them highly popular.

The internet is a powerful resource. Knowing the difference between a web app and a website will make you more internet-savvy and educated.

Here’s what you should know about web apps.

Web-Based Applications 101

What is a web application? A web-based application (or web app for short) is a software or program that uses web browsers and web technology to complete tasks through the internet. Popular web application examples include everything from shopping carts and online forms to word processors and email programs like Gmail and Yahoo.

Web apps get stored on remote servers and delivered via the internet through a browser. These apps are either accessible from any browser or designed with certain browsers in mind.

Web App Design

App developers design web app’s frontend/interface using languages like Javascript, HTML, and CSS. They create apps’ backend/code using a programming stack such as MEAN and Lamp. Like building a website, creating an app has its own complexities and challenges to mind.

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How Web Apps Differ From Websites

A website is a collection of interconnected web pages users access through a domain. Users can access websites from anywhere in the world. Blogs and news sites are perfect website examples.

Websites are great for serving static content like articles paired with visual content. They’re also great for showcasing products and increasing brand awareness.

Google Analytics, Slack, Evernote⁠—it doesn’t take much homework to notice that the most successful web app examples come from successful websites. Let’s face it: Though website application examples are often interlinked with websites, that’s not always the case.

Control Over Functionality and Safety

Users can affect how apps function through manipulating restricted data. They can’t affect a website’s functioning, though.

Plus, web apps also require authentication for safety. Websites don’t require any authentication process, although it’s possible to set up a secure https address for additional safety.

No Approval Necessary

The native apps in app stores require approval from the powers that be (which are usually Apple, Android, and Google). This means a corporation has a large say in how your app will come out.

Fortunately, web apps don’t require an app store’s approval. This gives you more room for customization and creativity.

Web Apps Are Your Friends

A website with a 1 to 3-second loading time has a probable bounce rate of 32%. Users abandon websites with long loading times and the same goes for web-based applications.

The probable bounce rate increases to 106% once it reaches 6 seconds. That same wait translates into decreased app usage. Making your own app means equipping yourself with knowledge and avoiding certain pitfalls like long loading times.

Educate yourself by reading more of our app articles. They’ll enrich you with the ideas and information you need to succeed.