Web Application Development – Ultimate Guide to 10 Different Types in 2023

In the preceding year’s webpages were static, occasionally enriched with images or videos. Nonetheless, the recent idea of web application development was still a distant dream until around 2005 when Ajax made it doable to create quicker, better, and more interactive web applications. At the moment, web applications are so mainstream that they occasionally go unseen. And, still, we use them all the time.

Brands like Microsoft Office’s MS Word or PowerPoint to widespread software like Facebook, Mailchimp, Basecamp – All have web-based applications that let you have exclusive, tailored, and immersive experiences. Web applications syndicate the personalized feel of native mobile apps with the ease of opening them on a web browser from any gadget. That’s what makes web application development not only exceedingly sought-after expertise among developers, but also a seamless solution for all the industries – let it be eCommerce, finance, entertainment, education, or healthcare.

What Is A Web Application?

Whenever you ‘do’ something online, you have tapped a web application. Whether you’re using the online shopping site, online banking, or even a web-mail site – it’s all coming via the web application. Web apps are fundamentally application software that is kept on a remote server supplied by a third-party and can be used straight from your browser, instead of downloading.

Understanding The Web Application Development

Web application development is the procedure of using client-side in addition to server-side programming to build an application available on a web browser. Developers start with envisaging a web application built on achieving a solution to a specific fault and move on to plan the app, select the right framework to build the web app, test it and ultimately deploy it.

Web App vs Website – Is There Any Difference?

If this question is in your mind – then this is the place you get all your answers. It is the initial doubt that comes to attention and rightly as well. The outlines between a website and a web app are somewhat blurry. Here’s the actual difference. A website may be a static page with only offering information which may or may not have any input reliability. Whereas, a web app is a dynamic web application that reacts to user input and lets users complete selected tasks over the internet. Thus, in summary, any website that has a client-side module that lets users perform a chore can be titled a web app. Web apps are planned to achieve explicit tasks that benefit users by solving a problem. Websites on the other hand will only provide information.

Mobile Apps VS Web Apps

Here, web apps can basically be operated over a browser on any gadget, be it a desktop or a cell phone. So, the real subject here is – mobile web apps vs native mobile apps. Platform-specific applications that are built specifically for iOS or Android are called native apps. You just have to download them from Google Play or App Store and use them on your cell phone, tablet, etc., these are expensive, occupy space on your device, and are limited to the device only. But web apps are quite different. They are not bound by the device and can be used on the gadget as well as on the browser. Building web apps is not only cost-effective, but they also will not occupy any space.  

Advantages Of Web Application Development

If you’re a developer – then mastering this piece of technology opens up a lot of opportunities for you. These days every other business looks for quick, reliable, and cost-effective solutions for building application software to reach their consumers. The main purpose is to reach every consumer not only over the web but also be available on their cellphones. The main reason is that they’ll not have to build anything platform-specific to be in the minds of their consumers. Furthermore, during the past years, web application technologies have improved a lot. They have outgrown native apps in terms of impressiveness and personalization. Businesses that do have native apps also want to move towards web apps as they don’t want to discontinue their users’ preferences. Thus, in order to be available for their customers – businesses will want a web application developer to ensure that the seamless interaction is put forward for every customer. Therefore, let’s share your guide to 10 different types of web application development for your knowledge below:

1- Static Web Applications

This type of web application exhibits very little content and is not predominantly flexible. Static Web Applications are typically developed in HTML, jQuery, Ajax, or CSS – you can choose any one of them as per your liking. Furthermore, you can display animated objects, banners, GIFs, videos, etc. in the static app conveniently. However, altering the content of static web applications is not easy-going. To fix this, you first have to move the HTML code, then adjust it, and finally send it back to the server. These variations can only be accomplished by the webmaster or the web development company that designed and planned the initial Application. A good example of the development of static web applications consists of professional files or digital resumes. In the same way, a page representing a company could also put up this type of web application to show their contact information.

2- Dynamic Web Applications

Dynamic web applications are rather complex on a technical level. They utilize databases for data loading and their contents are updated each time the user accesses them. They generally have an administration panel (called CMS), where administrators can amend or modify application content, whether text or illustrations. Different programming languages can be utilized for the development of dynamic web applications. PHP and ASP are the most usual languages used for this role because they allow the organizing of contents.

In this category of application, modernizing the content is very easy and the server does not even have to be accessed for the changes to be done. Similarly, it allows you to implement lots of features, such as mediums or databases. The project – in addition to content – can be revised to match the administrator preferences.

3- Shop Online Or E-Commerce

If the web application is an online chain store, its development is likely to look like that of an m-commerce or e-commerce site. This kind of application development process is more complex as it must permit electronic payments that can be obtained from credit cards, PayPal, or any other additional payment methods. The developer must also produce a management panel for the administrator; that will be operated for the citation of new products, update them, remove the entries, and handle applications and payments. Your web application fits on mobile devices just like any other mobile app – making it feasible to interact like a native application.

4- Portal Web App

All through the portal – we are mentioning a type of application that opens numerous sections or groups through a home page. These applications can consist of many things: forums, chats, e-mail, browsers, areas accessed through registration, and the latest content, etc.

5- Animated Web Applications

The animation is inevitably related to Flash technology. This program design approach lets you display content with animated properties. This type of application offers creative and modern designs and is one of the important technologies used by designers and ingenious directors. The drawback inherent in the development of animated web applications is that this form of technology is not appropriate for web positioning purposes and optimization of SEO as search engines cannot accurately read the data they hold.

6- Web Applications With A Content Management System

The content should regularly be updated when it comes to web application development – thus you have to consider installing the CMS (a content management system). The manager can make use of this CMS to device changes and updates without help. These content managers are spontaneous and very easy to operate. A few examples of content management systems are:

• WordPress: It is a widespread content management system. There is plenty of data, tutorials, and manuals available on the internet that will help you modify it and know how it works. In addition, it’s free as well.
• Joomla: This CMS does not have a lot of users, but has a robust community and is also very spontaneous.
• Drupal: This is a free CSM software – very flexible and is especially suggested for assembling communities. It is commonly used for building personal blogs, corporate blogs, professional blogs, news pages, articles, mass media, etc.

7- Single-Page Applications

These applications empower clients to connect with the website page with no interference. Furthermore, requirements and responses take place efficiently because of curbed quantities of information. Transiently, SPAs are faster as compared to orthodox web applications as they accomplish logic on the internet browser noticeably than the server. SPA is simple to develop, debug, and deploy which compels them to be smooth and fast. The application lets clients easily interact with a web application from a single page. Moreover, the interaction and connection are quick, as requests and responses communicate in modest measures of data afterward to happen almost instantaneously. Characteristically, any single-page application can be restructured according to requirements. Nevertheless, because of universal URLs, single-page apps aren’t very well-matched with SEO guidelines. Thus, they are not suitable for eCommerce. But, Social networks, e-mail services, online video/audio players can use single web applications and their agility. Some very good examples are:

• Gmail,
• Google,
• Trello,
• Google Maps,
• Twitter

8- Multi-Page Applications

These applications function in the same way as customary web applications do. Here, the app fills up and shows an extra page from the server in the database whenever customers click for extra activity. Within Multiple web applications, the logic is put away and kept at the backend, which reverts the requirements from the clients back to the server. The method toward generating pages on the server, transporting them to the customer, and presenting them on the browser damages the UI. This can be established by using AJAX modernization, which rolls out unexpected changes without a broad page load again. If multi-page applications are designed in view of responsiveness – then, they can get up well with the mobile setting. MPAs are developed with the use of various languages like:

• HTML,
• CSS,
• JavaScript,
• AJAX,
• jQuery

They have a much better likelihood of ranking for different keywords as it follows SEOs guidelines and every single page is optimized for keywords. MPAs are recognized for their scalability with no page limits and a load of info about products or services. Nevertheless, they take a lot of time to develop as associated with SPAs and are hard to maintain and update. Some very common examples are:

• Online Stores,
• Marketplaces,
• Catalogs,
• web portals,
• catalogs,
• Enterprise Web Applications

9- Rich Internet Application

These types of applications usually have a handful of functionalities of desktop applications but are quite faster and engaging – along with better data communication. RIAs are apprised with settling browser limitations, and they depend on customer-side plugins like:

• Flash,
• Shockwave, and
• Silverlight

These applications are developed by using tools that run capably as well as are very appealing. In addition, they give an eye-catching user-experience and high- perceptiveness as associated with the customary program applications. The binary issues with the RIA’s are inconveniences and susceptibility they form. These applications can even be exercised offline. Skills used to build RIA’s consist of:

• AJAX,
• Java,
• JavaFX,
• Adobe Flash,
• Adobe Flex, and Adobe Integrated Runtime (AIR),
• Google gears,
• Microsoft Silverlight,
• Curl

Below you’ll find some of these inserted, and these are:

• Google maps,
• Google, and
• YouTube

10- Progressive Web Apps (PWA)

The PWAs are one of the most properly developed forms of web applications that look identical to a mobile application. Customers get to the entire data and all the characteristics that enrich the performance and mobile compliance of the web application using any of the mobile browsers. PWA is recognized to be the improved form of the SPA and it grips the point true in praxis. The focal determination of PWAs is to not use new rules in structure but to improve the speed and flexibility of the web applications in spite of gradual /bad internet links. The main improvements are home screen installation, Cashing, and improved data transmission over HTTP/2. A few major examples of the PWA are:

• Starbucks,
• Forbes,
• OLX,
• MakeMyTrip

Getting To Know The Web Application Development Process

So by now, you do have a good understanding of what web apps are, and just why web app development is such a brilliant skill to have – However, now it’s time to answer the real reservation – how to build a web app, and what are the essential features, costs, and tools involved in this process. You’ll get a lot of options when it comes to technology. Stuff like web app frameworks, programming languages, or libraries are all very spread out and you don’t have to fret over them yet. However, in order to quickly start – there are a few steps that you have to follow, and answer certain questions. Some of these aim at what problem will your app solve or who you want it to be built for. Simply put in perspective, here’s a step-by-step guide you can monitor to study web application development from scuff.

Step 1 – You Need To Have A Genuine App Idea

Initially, you begin with an idea for a web app that answers a problem. The finest apps come from looking for the solutions to solve the problems you DO know people are facing.  Your idea doesn’t have to be path-defiant or extraordinary. It can be upgraded over something that now exists. What’s significant is that it must be an important development.

Step 2 – Do A Complete Market Research

As soon as you have an idea, it’s time to comprehend your viewers. You need to think about the possible market for your objective. Who are the people who could use your web app? Together, this whole comes down to your business viewpoint. And, the technical course of your web app rests on the people you aim to serve.

Step 3 – Define Your Application’s Functionality

This is the phase where you distinguish between aspiration and achievement. You need to detach one core functionality that your app does expertly, and which is going to be the cause – attracted by which people will/shall use your app. The chore of setting aside multiple attractive features and focusing on one core highlight must be undertaken at this phase. Confine the need to make your app an all-in-one description. With that attention feature in mind, think about the rudimentary abilities your app will require. Such as, you need user profiles, PINs, associates, checkout, costs, content management system, and much more as per your liking.

Step 4 – Draft Your Web App Design

A clean drawing is your first step to web application strategy. All you need right now is a pencil Thus, draw up a basic outline of your app, page by page. Your app doesn’t have to be intricately detailed. On the condition that it gives you a rudimentary idea of the drift, you’re good. Just be sure to define where the controls, text, and pictures go. This is also the phase to map out your roadmap. Essentially, get your drafts in order.

Step 5 – Make Clear Wireframes And Prototypes

Here, you need your computer to start the first working mockups of our web app. A wireframe is like a drawing but on a computer and a little more organized. It tells you exactly how your app slides will look like. The following step would be making a web app prototype. Augment some interactivity to your wireframes so that they appear just how you want them on your real app, but with partial functionality. There are a lot of tools that you can tap to make a prototype. A few of the best tools for this purpose are:

• Sketch
• InVision Studio
• Adobe XD
• Balsamiq

Step 6 – Get Ready To Validate Your Idea

Theoretically, you could start corroborative the instant the idea stumbles across. You could ask your associates and social group about the possibility of your idea. Nevertheless, now that you have an archetype, you can indeed begin the initial stages of alpha and beta testing. Gather together a group of possible users – generally your colleagues. Ask them to try out the web app model and begin collecting opinions. This view will help you enormously to improve your app and make it more practical. Furthermore, during the development process, it will also give you a strong groundwork to shape on.

Step 7 – Select Your Technology

So far, we were exchanging the lenient skills of web app development. The minute you go into the development phase – you’ll need to make some technical decisions as well. This is where the fun begins. You will require the right framework, libraries, and platforms. All of these are essential to building your web app. As there are a lot of options available – select a combination, or discuss with tech geeks at Clustox to do a discovery session to find the best possible framework, libraries, and platforms. Some of these popular client-side programming languages are:

• HTML
• CSS
• JavaScript
• Ajax

However, when it comes to the selection of server-side programming languages – The universe is VAST! Some of these are:

• PHP: a mature, all-purpose language proficient in building interactive components in websites. Accessible free for web developers. It has a higher embeddability with HTML5 making it the perfect choice for web development.
• ASP.NET: It is an open-source web app development framework by Microsoft that benefits developers to easily create dynamic web apps.
• Ruby on Rails: It is database-focused web app programming; wonderful for smaller web application development.
• Python: It has several frameworks to get the job done nicely.

When it comes to selecting the best Web Application Frameworks, here are the top 5 that the tech team at Clustox always suggests to all of our clients. These are:

• AngularJS: It concentrates on building a comprehensive front-end for rich single-page web applications including client-side processes.
• React JS: This one is a front-end library that is constantly used as a framework to build the component-based structure of web apps
• Vue JS: A well-liked and progressive framework that also transports in the component-based building letting you build the entire front-end web apps.
• Laravel: This one uses a Model-View-Controller framework that originates with an out-of-the-box API corroboration.
• Django: All the tech giants like YouTube, Instagram, and Google love it. This one is also a Model-View-Controller that uses Python for web app development.

Once you figure out what technology you wish to use to build your web application, you can easily delve into the process of writing your code. What you’ll need next, once your code is complete and your application is ready, is a way to host your web application.

Step 8 – Now Just Host Your Application On The Web

Select a server to host your web-based application. Purchase a domain and put up an SSL certificate. Also, select a cloud provider like Amazon (AWS) or MS Azure, or the Google Cloud Platform.

Step 9 – Deploy Your App

As soon as you have the code and the host, you are all set to go live. Merely deploy your app onto your hosting solution and your app is perfect for your users to start using. 

What Are The Web Application Development Costs?

The costs entirely depend on how carefully organized your sub-costs are. However, technically speaking the factors regulate the final cost of your app. The characteristic intricacy of the app, the sum of features you consist of, the web app development company you choose, and the capacity of other players will affect the final cost.

If developing a basic app with a straightforward interface and essential functionality, you could build a web app starting from$2K to 17K. For a particular looking app that could need small teams of developers and designers operational on your project for up to 3 months, you could be observing a price between $20 to 50K

More multifaceted web application development needs conventional UI/UX design, difficult web app programming, countless API integrations, and more, the upper boundary of web app development cost could go anywhere from $100-250K and could take as many as 6 months to shape it.

Closing Thoughts

To close a long story short, web application development is a planned business advantage. Web applications are a beneficial option than their equals like native app development or hybrid app development. That’s because they are comprehensively beneficial to every single user, without being restricted to their device, operating system, or network. 

Everybody with an internet connection, and occasionally even without it, can use a web app to use the complete services of any business and interlock with the business in a lucrative style. That is what makes web application development an extremely sought-after skill in 2022, and with this model, you are now prepared to conquer the world. Are you ready to build your first web application with the advanced technology stack with the most creative designers? Then, meet team Clustox – your one-stop-shop for web app development.