Best practices for web applications development

Developing a web app is one of the most demanding and rewarding initiatives you can do as an entrepreneur.

Along the way, you may discover new revenue sources and methods to improve your customer experience by collecting data, offering better services, and even selling your product directly to clients in new ways. You might initially be intimidated by the prospect of creating a web app, but it's easier and cheaper than you would imagine.

Creating software is relatively straightforward if you get the proper guidance from someone who has done it before. Some of the main returns of developing business applications are improved customer satisfaction and loyalty, leading to increased sales and revenue. 

Web application development is the process of creating software that runs on remote servers and is delivered to the user's device over the Internet.

Web apps can be used for various purposes, including e-commerce, social networking, online gaming, and productivity tools. 

These applications are accessed through web browsers and run on various devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Web applications are built using a combination of programming languages, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP.

Additionally, web applications can be updated and improved more efficiently than traditional desktop applications, making them more responsive to user needs and preferences.

Web applications come in various types, each serving a specific purpose. Let's explore each of these types in more detail:

1. Static Web Apps: Created using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The content on these sites remains the same, with no interaction or modification by the user.

2. Dynamic Web Apps. Unlike static web apps, dynamic web apps allow users to interact with and modify the content. These types of applications are built using server-side languages such as PHP, Ruby, or Python.

3. Server-Side Web Applications. Run on a server and are accessed through a web browser. Examples of server-side web apps include online banking systems, social media platforms, and e-commerce websites.

4. Client-Side Web Applications. Run on the client side (i.e., the user's device) and interact with the server through APIs. Examples include Gmail, Google Docs, and Trello.

5. E-Commerce Web Apps. As the name suggests, e-commerce apps are designed for online shopping. They typically include features such as product listings, shopping carts, and payment gateways.

6. Single-Page Web Apps. SPA’s load a single HTML page and dynamically update the content as the user interacts with the page. Examples include Facebook, Twitter, and Gmail.

7. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). Combine the best of both worlds, providing the experience of a native app with the convenience of a web app. PWAs typically consist of five key components: Web App manifest, Application shell, Service worker, Webpack, and Transport Layer Security (TLS). Some popular tech used to build PWAs includes Angular, VueJS, React, Ionic, and Polymer.

8. Content Management System. Allow users to manage and publish content on their websites with CMS. Examples include WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla. CMSs have such features as content creation, editing, publishing, user management, and analytics.

Below you will discover some key benefits of web app development and why it is becoming increasingly crucial for businesses to invest in this technology.

• Customizable and Scalable

  One of the main advantages of web app development is its customizability and scalability. Web applications are easy to maintain and update. They can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your business. Moreover, web apps are scalable and can grow and adapt as your business grows and changes.

• Reduced Costs

  Compared to native mobile apps, web apps are faster and more affordable to build, which can help businesses save money in the long run. With web apps, there is no need to develop separate versions of the app for different platforms, which can be a costly and time-consuming process.

• Cross-Platform Compatibility

  Web apps work on any device with a compatible browser and offer cross-platform compatibility. It makes it easier for businesses to reach a wider audience and ensure their app is accessible to everyone.

• Improved Efficiency

  Web applications don't have to be installed and can be used directly from the browser. It not only saves time but also helps to improve efficiency. Moreover, having all your data in one place lets you focus on core business operations as you generate real-time reports.

• User Security

  Web apps are more secure since they're built on dedicated servers with a more robust security infrastructure than locally installed apps on individual devices. Web-based apps give an extra layer of security by removing access to the backend servers and data. It helps to protect user data and ensure that businesses remain compliant with data protection regulations.

• Business Agility

  Web apps help your business maintain a stable product without launching it on different platforms and are highly deployable. Companies can quickly and easily make changes to their app and roll out updates to users without any disruption.

The web application's workflow is a process that defines how the application operates. It outlines the steps in completing a task or achieving a specific outcome.

The workflow of a web application typically starts with a user inputting information into the application, such as filling out a form or selecting options from a menu. The application then processes the user's input, which performs a series of tasks to complete the user's request.

These tasks may involve retrieving data from a database, performing calculations, or communicating with other systems or applications. Once the tasks are complete, the web application generates a response presented to the user through the web browser.

The workflow of a web application can be complex, involving multiple steps and interactions with various systems and components. To ensure the application operates smoothly, it must be carefully designed and tested to ensure that each step in the workflow is executed correctly and efficiently.

"OK, but what's the difference between web apps and conventional websites?" you could ask. After all, they both use internet browsers.

Web applications are built with more interactive features in mind. On the other hand, regular websites are mainly responsible for providing the user with basic information.

Identifying one from the other might be difficult, but it will become evident after being acquainted with several crucial web app qualities. As you can see below:

A website is typically a web page collection that provides information about a particular topic or organization. It is usually static, meaning it doesn't change much over time and doesn't require user input.

A web application is a dynamic platform allowing users to interact and perform specific tasks. It typically has a more complex structure and requires a database to store and manage data. Web applications can be used for various purposes, such as eCommerce, online banking, social media, etc.

The decision to use a website or a web application depends on the organization's or individual's specific needs and goals. A website is usually sufficient if the goal is to provide users with information. However, a web application is necessary if the goal is to provide a service or perform tasks online.

Both websites and web applications are essential components of the internet and play a crucial role in connecting people and businesses. Understanding the differences between the two and when to use them is essential for anyone looking to establish an online presence.

The web application development process is a complex and multi-layered procedure that requires a comprehensive approach to ensure the final product meets the user's needs. 

• Purpose discovery

  The main aim of this process is to discover the purpose of the software and conceptualize the final product. It means defining the problems the software aims to solve and identifying the target audience. The purpose of the web application needs to be well-thought-out to ensure that it meets the users' requirements.

• Workflow

  Once the purpose of the software is defined, the next step is to set up a workflow. This workflow should include constant communication and collaboration between team members, as well as regular testing and quality assurance to ensure that the final product meets the highest standards of functionality and usability. Additionally, it is vital to establish a timeline for development and set clear goals and milestones to keep the project on track.

• Wireframes and prototyping

  Wireframes and prototyping help identify potential design and functionality issues early in development, allowing for adjustments before the final product is delivered. Our UI/UX services can provide valuable insights into user behavior and preferences, resulting in a more intuitive and engaging application.

• Layout

  This step involves transforming the wireframes and prototypes into a functional website. In addition, developers use HTML and CSS to structure the website's content and apply styles, such as colors, fonts, and spacing. The layout stage also involves testing the website's responsiveness and making necessary adjustments for an optimal user experience.

• Development

  The next stage of the process involves writing the code that will bring the application to life. It may include using JavaScript or JS frameworks such as React, Vue.js, React Native, Flutter, and Java, depending on the project's specific requirements. Our team of developers is well-equipped to handle the entire web development process from start to finish, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience for our partners. We stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and industry trends to deliver high-quality, modern web solutions.

• Testing

  By conducting thorough testing, developers can ensure that web-based projects like mobile apps can provide users with responsive interactions, leading to increased user engagement. Our QA services help assure our partners that the application has been thoroughly tested, is of high quality, and can help identify and fix any bugs or issues before the project launch.

• Deployment

  It is where the web developer's expertise comes in, as they will ensure that everything is working with minimal downtime and fix any issues that may arise while putting the website online. We can offer ongoing maintenance and support to ensure the website runs smoothly and efficiently. It will give our partners peace of mind knowing that their website is in good hands and will always be up-to-date with the latest technologies and security measures.

• Maintenance

  It is an ongoing process ensuring the application remains up-to-date and functional. It is important to note that maintenance is a continuing process that requires regular updates and bug fixes to provide the website or application runs smoothly. Hiring a professional for maintenance can save time and money in the long run. Development professionals have the expertise to identify and resolve any issues that may arise quickly.

Web application frameworks and other technologies have revolutionized our interactions with the virtual world. To build robust and scalable applications, developers must have a solid understanding of various tools and technologies.

Database management, databases such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, and MongoDB store, organize and manage data. These relational and non-relational databases provide developers a flexible and efficient way to handle complex data.

Frameworks such as Vue.js, Koa, and NestJS are essential building blocks for creating modern web applications. These frameworks offer a structured approach to web development, provide developers with pre-built components and libraries, and make the development process faster and more efficient.

Frontend development is all about creating a visually appealing and interactive user interface. Developers must firmly grasp HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create dynamic and responsive web pages. These frontend technologies enable developers to build engaging user interfaces that enhance the overall user experience. Backend development focuses on the server side of web applications. Developers use JavaScript and Node.js to build server-side components and APIs that power the frontend. This backend development approach allows the creation of scalable, high-performance web applications that can handle large traffic volumes.