Everything You Need to Know About Custom WebDevelopment Services in 2023
Technology has impacted globally and brought everyone together. The various applications and services developed recently have positively improved communication and business processes. As businesses expand, so have customers' expectations as well. Therefore, businesses have been re-evaluating their offerings, including their web application development. Let's take a closer look at what a custom web development service is, and its nitty gritty.
What is Web-App Development
A web application is an intuitive app built using web development technologies that users can access from their browsers. Web applications typically consist of front-end and back-end web development technology. Theoretically, both web applications and web development share similar characteristics.
For example, on the front end, web app developers utilise Javascript, CSS and HTML, while on the back end, developers use languages such as Ruby on rail and Python. Interestingly, web applications operate on any device distinctly different from traditional websites.
Key Differences Between a Web-App And Website
Web applications are primarily designed to be user-interactive, whereas a website's primary task is to present information to the users. Distinguishing one from the other may seem quite a task at first glance, but as you read, you will be able to understand the nuances well.
Interestingly, learning a thing or two about mobile app development can be handy in understanding the nuances of web applications. For example, do you know the difference between native and hybrid applications?
Let's brush up on your knowledge quickly. Native apps are mobile apps that are built explicitly for the platforms they run on. Developers must use native languages like Swift programming language for iOS and Java programming for Android.
The disadvantage is that developers are also required to build different apps for different platforms, and each app will require a different codebase in its native language. Hybrid apps provide a faster solution for effective development. Since Hybrid apps take full advantage of native and web technologies, so they perform better in multi-platform compatibility.
Web apps are dissimilar from these since web app developers solely make use of web technologies. However, web applications, like mobile apps, focus more on user interaction, unlike a traditional website.
Traditional websites are primarily information focussed since consumers visit these to scroll for information, sometimes entering their email address or perhaps making an online purchase.
On the other hand, a web app is user-focused, making it more interactive. And web apps should be dynamically updated to handle these sorts of changes.
Let us explain this with a small example. You must have found that using Twitter or Facebook is more captivating than clicking on the website of your local bakery. Why so? Well, that's because the former are web pages while the latter are websites.
Progressive Web-Apps
Progressive web apps are relatively new in the digital world, and PWAs are known to combine the features of both native and hybrid apps. Just like web apps, PWA's reside in a web browser, and users can access PWA's like any other website.
Still, having a PWA means expecting classic download and install processes that users expect through mobile apps. PWAs can be readily available from the user's device, and PWA is like a mobile app since both Google Play Store, and Microsoft Store welcome PWAs in their platform.
Progressive web apps launch directly from the user's mobile device, bypassing the need to open a web browser first.
The question may pop into your mind what makes PWAs so alluring? Well, the answer is their performance and because of their cross-platform abilities.
PWAs defy the stereotype that web and hybrid apps perform slower than native apps. Looking at this, PWAs are unique in standing and breaking the mould of what a web visitor or smartphone user indicates.
Pro and Con of Web Apps
Web apps are an excellent option for boosting user engagement and browsing experience. These days most web apps are optimised for cross-platform compatibility and can be seamlessly run on all web browsers and devices.
- One of the challenges that are highlighted is that software needs to be able to scale as businesses expand. Instead, custom web apps are flexible to the business requirements and can be scaled as the business grows.
- Web applications are cost-saving since they use simplified architecture, have lower requirements on the user's system and require reduced maintenance.
- Web apps improve the efficiency of your business by streamlining processes. Having all your data integrated into one place is indeed time-saving.
Just like a coin has two sides, a head and a tail. Similarly, web apps have their pros and cons. We have already highlighted its pros; now let's discuss some cons.
- Web apps, in most cases, require a stable internet connection to perform well. Most interactive web apps will only work if it has a stable internet connection.
- Native technology always has an advantage over non-native technology. Since web apps aren't native technology, they don't have the same capacity to collaborate effectively with your device. Since web apps are multi-platform applications, developers sometimes only program apps to work with such specifications.
Website, Web App and Mobile App- Key Differences
Despite their similarities, web and mobile apps have critical differences in usability and functionality. Web apps can be accessed through browsers on any device and operating system, so there is no need to install them on your device. The data is stored in the cache memory, making it accessible offline with limited functionality. Web apps are considered more interactive when it comes to user engagement.
| Features | Web App | Mobile App | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Development Cost | Low cost of development, but high cost of maintenance | Both development and maintenance are high | Cost of building website is higher than maintenance |
| Sync | Have a common codebase so updates are easy | No common codebase across all platforms | Updates are easy, since websites have common codebase |
| Accessibility | Users can access web apps through any device, irrespective of the operating system | Can be accessed on any mobile device | Can be accessed on any browser |
| Functionality | Functions are higher and complex in nature | Allows access to the device’s built-in features like GPS and camera | Functions are relatively simpler |
| Examples | Uber, Amazon | Tumblr, Snapchat | Google, YouTube |
Takeaway
Mobile and web development are vital to any corporation's day-to-day operations. These assets are necessary for you to be able to scale your business and reach potential customers or business partners. Furthermore, not having the appropriate product or service may significantly affect your business value and provide an edge to your competitors. Custom web development, therefore, is an essential service for your business. If you are wondering how to start the process, we have an idea fit for your business.
Have you heard about nearshore software development companies? These are businesses with the right talent pool of software developers that could perform your tasks at a cost-effective value. If you are a business owner and want to scale your business without compromising quality and cost, offshore developers will be the right choice for you.
So, why wait for your competitor to make a mark in the business when you can contact us today for custom web development?
