There is a wide variety of web apps to choose from when deciding on which type of web app to use for your business. Some web apps are basic and static. At the same time, others are very dynamic and interactive, so much so that they feel like mobile applications on the web. Choosing the right one for your business matters because the wrong choice can cost you time, money, and even frustrated users. On the other hand, picking the right web app can boost efficiency, improve user experience, and give your business a real competitive edge.
In this guide, we will talk about the 10 main types of web applications, explain their benefits, and give you examples so you can see which one fits your business best.
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Web apps run on a web browser; hence, an application does not need to be downloaded or installed. This allows their easy accessibility on any device that has a connection to the Internet. The web applications are versatile, scalable, and ideal for businesses that intend to target more individuals without the need to spend a large initial amount of money.
You see them all the time. Google Docs helps you make changes to documents wherever you are. With Gmail, you can have all your emails in a single account. Facebook connects you with other people. These are some of the examples of how web applications can increase productivity, involve users, and open new opportunities for businesses.
If you’re thinking about which type of web app would work best for your business, we have made a list of 10 different web applications with their benefits to help you choose the right one.
The easiest is the static web applications. These apps display the same content to all users and only change when someone updates them manually. Portfolio websites or basic company sites are simple examples of a SWA. They are simple to construct, loading is faster, and they are also cheaper to maintain.
At this point, these apps are effective when your business does not require creating user data or running interactive applications necessary to display the information. For example, Gray V, a sound design agency, uses a static website to showcase high-quality images of their projects without any complex functionality.
In dynamic web apps, the content is generated in real-time according to the actions of the user. Examples of dynamic web applications are online banking applications that refresh account balances or e-commerce applications that change according to your shopping habits.
These applications are more complicated to develop and need server-side languages such as Python, PHP, or Java. They are able to support a number of users simultaneously and provide personalized experiences.
The Bank of America online banking app is a great example of a DWA. It updates your account information in real time, transfers funds between accounts quickly, and provides personalized tools and alerts to make managing your finances easier and more interactive. Many businesses use web app development services to build these dynamic web apps so they meet their needs and are reliable for users.
Single-page applications are loaded on one page, and the items are dynamically updated without reloading the entire page. The best examples are Gmail and Google Maps. The experience provided by SPAs is effortless and quick, and nearly as close to using a mobile application on the web.
Single-page applications work well for businesses that want a fast and interactive website. They are ideal for social networks or booking platforms because the content updates instantly without reloading the whole page. This makes it easy for users to move around the site, which keeps them engaged longer and improves their overall experience.
Multi-page applications, or MPAs, have many separate pages. Each time a user clicks a link, the page reloads. Amazon uses this type of app to organize product pages, reviews, and checkout.
Websites that have a large amount of content are better in MPA. Although they are not as fast as SPAs, they can manage big databases very conveniently. E-commerce websites, news portals, and content-rich websites are good MPAs.
Portal web applications are a centralized access to information and services (and may need a login). Courses, progress, and assignments are accessed by students on a single portal through platforms such as Coursera.
Portal apps work best for businesses that need to personalize content or services. They organize information clearly and give users a simple, easy-to-use interface.
PWAs are a combination of the most successful web and mobile applications. They are offline, load fast, and can even be pinned on your home screen without necessarily having to take you through an app store. Twitter Lite is a PWA, which allows for quick loading and use offline, and to receive push notifications, and allows users to have a mobile-like experience without a native app.
PWAs are intelligent in cases where a business wants to have a cost-effective approach to reaching out to their mobile users, yet still giving them a reliable experience.
CMS is a system that simplifies the control of the content on websites. Software such as WordPress enables non-coder users to create, maintain, and structure content.
A CMS would be ideal in an establishment that continually updates its webpage, has blogs, or a series of pages. To illustrate, a company that relies on WordPress is able to have the information intact, update the site frequently, and have a professional site with the least amount of technical work.
Web applications of e-commerce assist companies in marketing their goods and services over the Internet. They handle payments, product catalogues, and make shopping easy for the customers. Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce are platforms that enable companies to develop safe and easy-to-use online stores.
These applications are also mandatory in business organisations that desire to be 24/7. They streamline business processes, make shopping easier, and secure sensitive customer information, assisting companies in accessing the market and boosting their sales.
Rich Internet Applications, or RIAs, are web applications that can be thought of as desktop applications except that they are loaded directly in your browser. Instead of having to install software, they allow users to do more interactive things online, such as zooming, dragging, or clicking through detailed content.
One such application is Google Earth, which operates in your browser. But it seems like a desktop application with all its maps and 3D options. RIAs can be used where business companies would like to give a more interactive, exploratory experience to users, such as mapping and data dashboards.
This type of web app uses motion, visuals, and interactive elements to build websites that are more engaging and memorable. A great example of an animated web app is Species in Pieces. It is an interactive web app that tells the story of endangered species using animated polygon shapes. As users navigate through the app, the animations bring each species and its habitat to life. This makes the experience both visually appealing and user-interactive.
Although this requires additional time and expertise to develop, these apps may enhance engagement and make your website special. They suit best businesses such as creative portfolios, educational platforms, or storytelling websites. Those who want to impress with an interactive and visual user experience.
Fast and high-performing websites and apps are very important for business success. In fact, 73% of organizations say they are just as important as the technical setup behind them. Whether it’s a static site, a dynamic app, a single-page or multi-page app, a PWA, CMS, e-commerce platform, rich internet app, portal, or animated web app, each type works best for different needs. The right web app keeps your users happy, saves you time, and opens up new opportunities for your business. To choose the ideal web app for your business, think about your goals, the features you want, and how your users will interact with it. This will help you pick a web app that really fits your organizational needs.
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