Web application development is a new approach of work to create dynamic web pages. A modern take on creating efficient digital solutions. Web applications in today’s world have become relatively easier and quicker. In this blog, we would focus on the process of developing a web application. They have become so mainstream that we barely notice them.
Web applications are hosted over a web server and directed to the browser via the internet. Hence the development process is focused on creating interactions with the mobile browsers.
What is a Web Application?
A web application is software built with a precise set of technologies that work over the internet. And can be used on your mobile phones, desktops, laptops etc.
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There are different types of Web Applications which include –
- Static Web Apps
- Dynamic Web Apps
- eCommerce Web Apps.
- Portal Web Apps
- Content Management Systems
- Animated Web Apps
- Progressive Web Apps
Among these Progressive Web Apps show the best results in terms of metrics, they are faster, more efficient and provide an immersive user experience. They also influence a larger ecosystem of technologies and APIs to improve the user experience.
The whole procedure of web application development includes the use of client-side and server-side programming to build a unified platform. HTTPS is used for communication between client and server-side portals.
Advantages of Web Applications
With the web architecture evolving so are our visual experiences and it is imperative that we keep up with the developing technologies of web applications and create better performing platforms.
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There is a wide range of benefits to web applications from efficiency and web development.
1. Cross-Platform Compatibility-
The web applications are compatible across various platforms relative to software. You will not need to select any particular platform to build the application. The only requirement to run web-based software is a web browser which can be anything from Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Opera etc. And the good part is web applications work on every operating system whether it is Windows, Android, Linux, or macOS. A web application runs on every browser and platform seamlessly.
2. Web Applications are more Secure-
Web applications are much more secure as compared to other applications because of the SSL/TLS encryption. HTTPS help secure vulnerable and exploitable data like credit and debit card number, your ID proof and other login information. Safe and secure web applications also use several different Web Application Firewalls (WAFs). Most of the WAFs are usually integrated with other security measures for a security parameter which include distributed denial of service (DDoS) protection services.
3. Works offline as Well-
Web applications can work offline as well. If you are considering offline experience for your web applications you should get familiar with the use of service workers, cache storage and IndexedDB. The technicalities of making a web application work offline comes down to four steps which include
- Cache static assets
- Cache dynamic assets
- Building an optimistic UI
- Queue user actions for resync
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How do you Develop a Web Application?
Step 1: Idea Generation and Validation-
The whole procedure of developing a web application begins with an idea about the sort of web application you want to build. Having a clear idea in mind about your application streamlines the whole process of efficiently building the app. While getting an idea can be very tough sometimes. The following pointers can help you find a new idea-
- Recognize a particular problem.
- Check for existing applications and search them using different keywords.
- Notice the people and the world around you.
- Think about the solutions you can offer to their issues.
- Try to attend social events, attend meetings and hackathons.
- Check investors and VCs for what they are funding.
- Watch shows like Shark Tank that talk about Startups and Businesses.
Once you get an idea it’s time to validate it and find out if it’s possible to monetize it. After finalizing the idea comes the design part.
Step 2. Work on the Design-
Designing the interface for your website is the second step of building a web application.
Here you can go old school by taking a pen and paper or use sketch designing software for the same. Other options for sketching include:
- Balsamiq
- Mockitt
While sketching the interface takes care of-
- Moving from one screen to another
- Elements of branding
- Buttons, scrolls, transition windows
- Forms
- Social Media icons
- Other similar components.
The working interfaces include the following process-
- Signing up by a user
- Login sequence
- Finding an item
- Placing an order
- Downloading stuff
- Navigating through the application
- Access the user profile and change settings
- Making the payments
- Logging out
- Canceling subscriptions
Step 3. Start the Development
The development part is divided into three parts which include-
- Identifying the Tech Stack
- Work on Front-end operations
- Work on the Back-end operations
Identifying the Tech Stack:
Building a successful web app depends on your tech stack. The right choice will result in a successful product. Choosing the wrong tech stack can lead to more complexities and issues.
Frontend Development:
Pre-coded modules and elements are available at the front end application development frameworks which can be extracted and added to the app. These modules are meant to save the cost and time of development.
Backend Development:
Backend or server-side development in how to develop a web application is another pivotal stage. The backend operations have a big hand in determining how the app is going to work. Programming languages used to build back-end components are used to build interactive components.
Languages used to create back-end operations of web applications include- PHP, Python, Java, C#. Similarly to the front end development frameworks, back-end development frameworks also exist.
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Which are Laravel, Flask and Ruby on Rails. You can pick the right technology for understanding the scope of the app. Also, you need to look at the size and scale of the app before picking the right technology.
Step 4 – Testing the Applications
In developing a website application testing is such a crucial step just like designing and coding.
A web application has to pass these 6 stages of testing, i.e Functionality, Usability, Interface, Compatibility, Performance and Security. Each test serves significantly important aspects of the web apps.
Functionality:
When you need to check:
- Connectivity
- Database connections
- Links between the webpages
- User information collection
Usability:
To check the overall usability-
These kinds of testing require onboarding internal and external users for reviewing.
Compatibility:
Testing compatibility across different browsers and devices.
Performance:
Check web applications’ performance under heavy traffic and difference in internet speeds.
Security:
Check for the app weak point and vulnerabilities.
Once the testing is successfully finished it is now time to launch the app.
Building a web application is a very long and exhausting process. It is best if only professionals handle it. If you are looking on developing a web application for your business, then trusting Scrum Digital is the right decision, with a few years of experience and a team of expert web developers Scrum is one of the best web application development company and mobile app development company which also offers end-to-end development solutions like API Integration, eCommerce website development, cloud application development.
