What Is a Web Application? Definition & Examples

Everyone uses web applications to perform actions on the internet. Think of the project management tool you use to manage your business projects or the online accounting web application you use to track your finances.

Many people mistake web apps for native apps. They are different. Have you ever visited a website on your web browser and got prompted to download the mobile app? Which is the web application, and which is the native app?

This article covers the basics of web applications and explains the key differences between a web application and a native app.

Let’s get started.

What Is a Web Application?

A web application is an application software that utilizes web browsers to carry out its tasks. Every web application depends on web technology to function. Web technology refers to the tools used by computers and devices to connect with one another.

You can use web apps to perform vital online functions like shopping for the latest gadget or clothes and making financial transactions. Remote employees use web apps to collaborate on projects.

The web app resides on a remote server, which makes it easy for users to access it on the internet via the web browser interface of any device. Examples of web applications include Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, eBay, and Amazon.

Many people think web apps and websites are the same because of their similar designs and user experiences. Type in the URL on your web browser, and boom, your web app or website will display.

Web apps and websites are two different terms. A web app is a software program that runs on a web server and is accessible through web browsers.

On the other hand, a website is a collection of publicly accessible web pages hosted on a web server and accessible through the Internet.

Web applications come in two forms or sections with unique characteristics: static web applications and dynamic web applications.

Static web applications are rigid when performing functions like adding or modifying content. These apps limit users to static content and activities like searching, filtering information, and reading.

On the other hand, dynamic web applications encourage greater levels of flexibility. Users can perform more functions, such as uploading various content types and constructing personalized information.

What Do Web Applications Do?

Web applications help users perform a variety of tasks seamlessly. Here are some ways web applications prove their worth to an end user.

1. Editing Images

Image editing is more productive with the right web application. Web applications allow users to alter images however they desire. Users can modify and improve digital or traditional photographic images.

Examples of web applications that edit images.

• Pixlr
• PicMonkey
• PhotoScape
• Fotor
• Picsart
• Photopea

2. Creating, Converting, and Sharing Documents

Document creation is a core strength of web applications. There are web apps that allow users to convert text-based records, usually Word files and PDF files, into more comprehensive and complete templates.

These features are relevant for users performing official duties and students working on projects. Team members of a project can access the same version of a document simultaneously.

Examples of web apps that can create, convert, and share documents.

• Small PDF
• CloudConvert
• Smart PDF
• Google Docs
• WPS Editor

3. Online Shopping

Web applications make shopping easy and productive. Vendors can post their various products on the websites connected to their web applications. Customers can surf online stores via their mobile apps to purchase required products and services.

Examples of web apps for online shopping.

• AliExpress
• Alibaba
• Flipkart
• Konga
• Eleganza

4. Sending Emails

You can send official and unofficial emails with the ideal email web application. This web application takes user interaction to another level. Sending emails is faster with web apps.

Examples of web applications that send emails.

• Spark
• Microsoft Outlook
• Blue Mail
• ProtonMail
• Boxer

5. Chatting with Friends and Colleagues

Everyone wants companionship. With various chatting platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, and Whatsapp, people can keep in touch with their loved ones.

You can chat about work-related matters with your colleagues and find solutions to problems. These chatting platforms have web applications that are downloadable on various devices.

• Google Chat
• Facebook Messenger
• WeChat
• Signal
• Line

6. Collaboration with Remote Colleagues

Work gets interesting and more productive through collaboration with colleagues within your environment and beyond. You do not have to be in the same physical location to conduct meetings and solve work-related problems.

Examples of remote team collaboration web apps.

• Slack
• Trello
• Asana
• Evernote
• Zoom

7. Managing Projects

Web applications have revolutionized project management in different ways. Project managers and team members can communicate and achieve milestones seamlessly with the help of different web applications.

Examples of project management web applications.

• Monday.com
• ClickUp
• Smartsheet
• Wrike
• Teamwork

8. Playing Games

The gaming world is getting more lucrative. People of different ages are open to the growing possibilities of the gaming world.

Individuals and groups plan to play games by downloading them on their devices. Web applications offer shortcuts. You can play your favorite games directly on the web app without having to download them.

Examples of game web apps.

• Pacman
• Paper Planes
• Tower Game
• Color Troubles
• Water Wars

How Does a Web Application Work?

Users access web applications via web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari. Three unique elements make up web-based applications.

• A Web Server with the ultimate responsibility of handling requests for users (clients).
• An Application Server that executes tasks requested.
• A Fully Functional Database capable of storing information.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how web applications work.

• Step One: The user uses the internet to send a request to the web server through the app’s user interface.
• Step Two: The web server receives and forwards the request to the web application server to carry out the requested task like data processing and database querying.
• Step Three: The web application server sends the requested data or results back to the web server.
• Step Four: After the web server receives the result from the web application server, it carries the requested information to the client's gadgets, such as mobile devices, tablets, and desktops.
• Step Five: This information appears on the user’s display so it is possible to interact seamlessly.

The Server Side and Client Side of a Web Application

Every web application has a client-server architecture. What you see on your web browser is the client-side script. However, there is a server-side script that is an essential part of the web application’s architecture.

1. Server-side Scripts

The server-side script deals with data processing. It performs functions like storing and retrieving relevant information that moves through the web application.

During the web application development phase, developers program the server side to create customized scripts the web app uses to respond to the requested information.

2. Client-side Scripts

The client-side script deals with user interface functionality like buttons and drop-down boxes. These two components allow users to interact with the web app. Users can read content, click on buttons, fill out forms, watch videos, and view images.

Web Applications vs Native Apps

Web applications are not the same as native applications. A native application is a computer program that you can download and install on your device, while a web app functions independently of any device.

Let's make a quick comparison of these apps.

1. Software and Device Flexibility

Native apps are picky when it comes to the devices they work on and the underlying software. During the programming, the software development team put in work to ensure the application only works and is installed when certain software and other tools are present.

Basically, native apps do not function on multiple platforms. These apps will reject any devices that are not custom-made for them.

Web applications are more flexible, and they are not always dependent on specific software before they can operate optimally.

For example, there are specific apps on Google Play Store that are only compatible with Samsung phones or tablets.

2. Updates

Web applications function differently from native ones in terms of updates. A web application will automatically execute its update as long as it is connected to the internet.

Unlike web apps, native applications function differently. Users are responsible for constant updates, apart from manually downloading native apps.

3. Offline and Online Functionality

A web application is ineffective without a strong and viable internet connection. It is dependent on the internet. Without a strong connection, you cannot perform any function or activity with them.

The absence of offline functionality is a major drawback because it slows down the actions of users who reside in areas where the internet connection is not strong.

Native applications don't have this same issue because they function independently of the internet connection’s strength.

Web applications are a lot slower than mobile applications.

Hybrid Applications

Hybrid applications are in a different class of their own. These applications combine the best features of native and web applications.

A hybrid application helps break the limitation of web and native apps. The weaknesses of native apps get replaced by the strength of web applications.

Hybrid applications depend largely on the internet connection to function. Since hybrid apps are not bound to specific devices, they can maximize the benefits of device-specific resources while operating on other platforms.

Benefits of Using Web Applications

Web applications offer many benefits to users. Here are some of the most striking benefits of web applications that many businesses and individuals can experience.

1. Limitless Storage Capacity

The primary storage center of a web-based system is on a server rather than a hard drive. This feature benefits users because they can store much data online without worrying about exhausting the storage space, which is common while using a hard drive.

Remote or hybrid companies enjoy the unlimited storage capacity of web applications. They can perform numerous tasks and store data without worrying about space.

Remote employees who use their home computer, laptop, or mobile device will have issues accessing information if they use hard drives rather than web servers.

A better option involves using the internet to access all forms of information and storing a small amount of data and native apps on the server.

2. Few Compatibility Issues

Users don't encounter many compatibility-related issues while using web applications. With most native apps, users require specific operating systems and software to function optimally.

Web applications are not subject to such limitations. They are easily accessible on any device. Employees are not limited to one browser or device; they can use multiple platforms and get the same result while executing tasks.

3. Lower Cost

Using web applications is one of the most effective ways of cutting IT-related costs. Most organizations using web applications do not require hard drives or specific programs to perform certain tasks.

Companies can select the number of employees with access to the program and how many users they can support with subscription-based web applications.

For example, a sales company with remote employees will need a team head to organize each department’s activities effectively. Each team head will need a reliable web application to manage the activities of each team member and collate reports.

With more sales reps due to higher demand, the company will employ or promote more team heads. This action will result in the IT director increasing the number of licenses for the web application.

An amazing feature of web applications is their budget-adaptable nature. Clients can purchase plans that meet their needs, thus reducing their overhead costs.

4. Automate Processes and Updates

If you want your device and software program to function at its best capacity, there is a need for constant updates.

Web applications can automate your business processes and receive constant updates. Users can enjoy benefits like acquiring current information, fixing glitches, and boosting the user experience with these updates.

Examples of Common Workplace Web Applications

Life in the workplace gets easier with the right web applications designed to help with various business processes. Web app development is significantly influencing workplace culture in various ways.

Let’s check out some ways web applications help to enable and secure operations within the workplace.

1. Analytics Dashboard

A vital part of every business operation is analytics. Stakeholders and project managers need accurate data before making informed decisions that will influence the success or failure rate of the organization.

Analytics is useful in understanding customer behavior and determining the projection of the company. With this data, managers can make future expansion plans or changes in other areas of the organization.

The process of acquiring the right data may be difficult and time-consuming without the right tool. To solve this problem, the organization can employ programmers to develop web apps such as an analytics dashboard.

Companies can seamlessly track the latest trends, receive updates, exchange information, and analyze big data to reach their goals with an analytics dashboard.

2. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Applications

The CRM web app is a must-have tool for every organization. This web application is like a large reservoir for storing vast customer data and interactions relevant to the sales and marketing department.

CRM is designed to help companies monitor and nurture leads till they become loyal customers.

The best CRM apps give organizations insight into customer behavior. They enable organizations to perform other functionalities like making smarter decisions regarding customer relations, improving customer service, and fixing sales funnel-related problems.

3. Onboarding and Training App

Organizations need well-trained and qualified staff to achieve their desired goals and objectives. Many organizations have rigorous training programs that are expensive to execute and monitor employees' performance and progress.

Using web-based systems and applications is a cost-effective option for running your company’s onboarding and training process. New employees can use these web apps to acquire vital knowledge about the company’s culture to make meaningful contributions.

4. Finance and Budgeting App

Finance and budgeting apps are relevant for every financial planning and analysis-related activity.

Business accounting is among the most stressful and tasking aspects of every business. With the right budgeting software tools, budgeting and managing your personal or company finances are easy. The app serves as a guide for estimating future revenues and expenses.

Finance and budgeting apps perform accounting tasks like computing, documenting, and generating financial reports, freeing you to focus on other business processes. They help prevent security breaches regarding sensitive financial documents.

5. Workflow Management App

Workflow management is a vital part of every organization's operation. The smoothing running of the organization's activities will result in more productivity and an increase in sales.

Maintaining a transparent workflow may be tasking without the right tools, especially with a large organization.

Workflow management apps help employees effectively manage multiple tasks and automate repetitive tasks. Project managers and department heads can structure a requested task to follow a predefined path until a process is completed.

Explore Further

• Different Types of Software with Examples
• System Software & Application Software Examples
• Examples of Great Enterprise Software
• Types of Mobile Apps
• Top 10 New Technology Trends
• Types of Software Platforms

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