Web apps have come to play a crucial role in what is now a highly digital existence. But as the technologies that serve as the driving force behind what we know as web applications continue to evolve, so have the expected standards as well as the varying needs of customers when it comes to online experience. And what a lot of people may not realise is that successfully delivering on these factors is dependent on the myriad types of web apps we have today. And it is absolutely crucial to know and understand the many types of web applications before we can put them to use.
So, we put together a list of the different types of web applications that world has at its disposal and how it stands to benefit everyone, especially the good folks who work on building a web-based application for many businesses, i.e. developers.
1. Static web apps: The name practically gives away the fundamental truth about this particular type of web apps: they are static, as in they lack flexibility. Pages in such web apps are generated by a server and practically zero interaction. Also, there is no scope for personalization and any changes reflect only after the page reloads.
While static web apps are typically a challenge to maintain and come with the risk of bad performance, they can be quite useful when the amount of information to be shared is limited and interaction isn’t a requisite.
2. Dynamic web apps: A web app that is underpinned by a framework, i.e. the web app software that governs the construction of web pages and enables their maintenance, is classified as a dynamic web app. Such web apps make use of databases for loading data and the content is updated every time users use them. They typically include a CMS that enables admin(s) to update the app’s content.
Dynamic web apps make updating content extremely easy and don’t necessitate server access for updates. Besides that, they enable developers to add a plethora of features.
3. Portal web apps: When we say portal, we mean the type of application that accesses different categories or sections via the home page. And the benefits of portal web apps for developers? Well, they are found in the fact that such applications can include a variety of things, including chats, forums, browsers, e-mail, latest content, and areas accessed via registration, among other things. And as any developer will tell you, all these things are pretty important for delivering a nice digital experience to the customer.
4. Single page web apps: The purpose of such apps is to enable users to interact with a web app from a single page without any constraints. And not just that, since requests as well as responses communicate in small amounts of data and occur almost immediately, the interactions are also much quicker.
While single page apps are admittedly not exactly compatible with SEO rules, they work really well for online video/audio players, e-mail services, and social networks among others.
5. Progressive web apps: Though typically described as just the well-developed iteration of single page apps, progressive web apps offer myriad features that enhance the web app’s mobile adaptability and performance. This includes home screen installation, improved data transfer over HTTP/2, caching, etc.
There is no denying that every type of web app offers not just benefits but also disadvantages. But if you are planning on building a web based application that is as well performing as you’d want it to be, it would help to find a trusted service provider who can help deliver a quality product for your business.
