Custom Web Application Development: A Complete Guide

Summary

The growing business needs and potential market opportunities have introduced several software development options for businesses. Besides traditional websites, businesses can now build mobile applications, single-page applications, progressive web applications, and custom web application development.

The most popular applications Facebook, Spotify, Pinterest, Gmail, Netflix, and Amazon are some of the finest examples of custom web applications. In this blog post, you will learn more about custom web app development, its types, benefits, and more!

What Are Custom Web Applications?

A custom web application is a web-based software built specifically for your unique needs. It works just like a website, only that it has a native app like feel. You can create a Home page shortcut on your mobile device and access the web application even in offline mode, unlike websites.

How Web App Works?

Web applications have a three tier architecture and interacts between 3 software components like application, middleware, and database. Here, the data is processed via HTTP which is understandable by both client side and server side. The architecture enables permission-based authorization and access, seamless creation and manahing of records, and so on.

Image Source

Examples of Web Applications

There are several industries that make use of custom web applications. Here are some examples for your reference!

• CRM, Accounting, Invoicing, Inventory Management, etc. like Odoo PWA, Zoho CRM.
• Custom web apps for schools and educational institutions like Google Classroom, edX, Toppr.
• Customized applications used by organizations for training employees, arranging events, or managingg internal communication/tasks.
• Ecommerce web applications like Alibaba, Jumia, Myntra, Flipkart, Amazon, etc.
• Personal finance apps, shopping lists, or other customized apps.

Website Vs Web Applications? What’s the Difference?

Because of the similar architecture used by websites and web applications, they may appear similar. However, that’s not the case! There’s more to web applications than meet the eye. Not sure how they differ from websites?

The below table should help you find answers!

 

What are the Types of Web Applications?

Have an interesting idea for your web app? Well, before you start with the development, you must look at the different types of web apps. It might help you explore other unique web app ideas that are of interest to you.

I. Static Web App

It is one of the most simple form of web applications and is easier to manage. In this type, the user and server don’t have to communicate with each other. User don’t need to request any information from the server side and the web app content loads on its own in your browser.

Example: A portfolio website, company website

II. Dynamic Web App

Unlike static web apps, dynamic web applications respond to users in real time. These apps are more complex and has several interactive features to engage audience. From simple login and signup features to dynamic content loading, comments, and instant messaging, these apps are known for its dynamic performance and user interaction.

Example: Social media app like Facebook

Technologies Used: ASP.Net, PHP

III. SPAs

Single Page Applications or SPAs are a dynamic app that enable users to connect quickly within a browser. Here, the SPA logic is conducted over a browser instead of a server. Thus, customer requests and interactions happen rather quickly here.

These SPAs develop, debug, and deploy seamlessly.

Example: The best application of SPAs are social networking sites with features like header, sidebar, mailbox, all in a page. Google Mail, Twitter, Netflix, Paypal are some popular examples of SPAs.

IV. Ecommerce Web Apps

With custom web applications development for eCommerce, you can build responsive online stores for your business. Such applications are capable of handling large audience segment and scale accordingly.

Not just that, those are built with online payment integration, transaction integration, mobile commerce, logistics management, internet marketing, and inventory control.

Example: Swiggy, Amazon, Zomato, Walmart, eBay, etc.

V. Multipage Apps

As the name suggests, Multipage web apps consists of multiple pages and each new page reloads from server only when user switches to a different page. You can use some of the best programming languages and technologies like HTML, CSS, AJAX, Javascript, JQuery, etc. to develop such web apps.

Such apps can contain extensive information and scale up without any page restrictions.

Example: Web portals, Catalogs, commercial web apps, online shops, etc.

VI. PWAs

Progressive web apps or PWAs are the most popular kind because they resemble the native mobile applications. Alternatively known as cross-platform web apps, they use progressive enhancement technique and browser API to deliver the native feel.

The prime objective of such PWAs are to deliver improved speed and adaptability.

Example: OLX, MakeMyTrip, Forbes, Starbucks, etc.

VII. Portal Web Apps

Custom web development that allows only verified and approved users access to a portal is used for developing portal web apps. Such applications are used mostly by businesses, corporations, and schools and is open to a limited number of users for operations like content upload, review, chats, and email.

Example: Education portals, Banking portals, customer portals, Employee portals, etc.

Now that you are familiar with the different types of web applications you can build, let’s check the numerous benefits you can leverage.

Benefits of Web Applications

• You only have to build one version of the web app! And several users will use the same version seamlessly.
• Users don’t have to install the app as they need to do in case of mobile apps.
• Web apps are accessible through multiple platforms like laptop, desktop, and mobile.
• It is accessible through multiple browsers.
• Developing web apps is cost-effective.
• Unlike apps, they don’t have to be updated.

Drawbacks of Web Applications

• Relies on internet for accessibility.
• It is completely dependent on website. Thus, if the website goes unresponsive, you will also have trouble accessing the web app.
• Doesn’t compare to mobile apps in terms of speed.
• Despite SSL enforcement, it lacks in quality control and may not be as secure as mobile apps.
• Limited functionalities when compared with non-native apps.

Read More: Top 8 Programming Languages Used by Amazon

How to Build a Web Application?

You can Choose a technology of your choice and develop a web application as per your requirements. Or, connect with a custom web application development company and get a custom app of quality developed.

Here are some basic steps involved with web app development!

Conceptualization

Before involving yourself into the nitty-gritty technical details, you should conceptualize your product. Understand why you are developing a product and what purposes should it serve. Here are a few things you should seek answers to in this phase:

• Intent of your custom web app
• Essential features and additional features
• Target audience
• If your product can solve the pain point of your audience
• Choose preferred technology or type of web application

Prototype and Development

In this phase, you create a wireframe of your product first with all the basic features. You create a clickable prototype to ensure the product is developed appropriately. Once the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is developed, you can seek for feedback and suggestions from a limited number of audience and improve web app performance.

Testing and Implementation

Testing and debugging is a continuous process that’s taken care of in this phase. You will need to test the web application for security and functionality and implement the feedback received to improve your app’s performance.

Hosting and Maintenance

Finally, you have to choose the hosting server as you prefer. Choose from Shared, Dedicated, or Cloud hosting as suitable and take care of your web app’s hosting.

This is the basic procedure you will need to follow to develop a robust and unique web app. You may as well avail of custom web application development services and seek help from professionals for your web app project.

Pro tip: Choose a tech stack based on the type of web app you are building, your intent, and target audience! The various technologies are Python, PHP, LAMP, Ruby on Rails, React, Angular, Django, Angular, JS, etc.

Cost of Developing Web Applications

The cost of developing a web app depends on several factors, such as:

• Features and functionalities
• web application development platforms used
• Hiring model like onsite, offshore, dedicated, or others
• Skill of developers/ development company
• Region of developer

Custom web application development cost will vary from one project to another depending on these factors. Do you want to know your unique cost for the custom web app project? Let us know more about your custom web application development project.

We are a leading web app development company with skilled developers in various cutting-edge technologies. Connecting with our developers should help you proceed with your web app project.

Conclusion

Do you have an interesting web app idea that can take your business to the next level? Then, this is the blog for you! It should help you learn the ins and outs of web app development and how you can benefit from it.

Summary

The growing business needs and potential market opportunities have introduced several software development options for businesses. Besides traditional websites, businesses can now build mobile applications, single-page applications, progressive web applications, and custom web application development.

The most popular applications Facebook, Spotify, Pinterest, Gmail, Netflix, and Amazon are some of the finest examples of custom web applications. In this blog post, you will learn more about custom web app development, its types, benefits, and more!

What Are Custom Web Applications?

A custom web application is a web-based software built specifically for your unique needs. It works just like a website, only that it has a native app like feel. You can create a Home page shortcut on your mobile device and access the web application even in offline mode, unlike websites.

How Web App Works?

Web applications have a three tier architecture and interacts between 3 software components like application, middleware, and database. Here, the data is processed via HTTP which is understandable by both client side and server side. The architecture enables permission-based authorization and access, seamless creation and manahing of records, and so on.

Image Source

Examples of Web Applications

There are several industries that make use of custom web applications. Here are some examples for your reference!

• CRM, Accounting, Invoicing, Inventory Management, etc. like Odoo PWA, Zoho CRM.
• Custom web apps for schools and educational institutions like Google Classroom, edX, Toppr.
• Customized applications used by organizations for training employees, arranging events, or managingg internal communication/tasks.
• Ecommerce web applications like Alibaba, Jumia, Myntra, Flipkart, Amazon, etc.
• Personal finance apps, shopping lists, or other customized apps.

Website Vs Web Applications? What’s the Difference?

Because of the similar architecture used by websites and web applications, they may appear similar. However, that’s not the case! There’s more to web applications than meet the eye. Not sure how they differ from websites?

The below table should help you find answers!

 

What are the Types of Web Applications?

Have an interesting idea for your web app? Well, before you start with the development, you must look at the different types of web apps. It might help you explore other unique web app ideas that are of interest to you.

I. Static Web App

It is one of the most simple form of web applications and is easier to manage. In this type, the user and server don’t have to communicate with each other. User don’t need to request any information from the server side and the web app content loads on its own in your browser.

Example: A portfolio website, company website

II. Dynamic Web App

Unlike static web apps, dynamic web applications respond to users in real time. These apps are more complex and has several interactive features to engage audience. From simple login and signup features to dynamic content loading, comments, and instant messaging, these apps are known for its dynamic performance and user interaction.

Example: Social media app like Facebook

Technologies Used: ASP.Net, PHP

III. SPAs

Single Page Applications or SPAs are a dynamic app that enable users to connect quickly within a browser. Here, the SPA logic is conducted over a browser instead of a server. Thus, customer requests and interactions happen rather quickly here.

These SPAs develop, debug, and deploy seamlessly.

Example: The best application of SPAs are social networking sites with features like header, sidebar, mailbox, all in a page. Google Mail, Twitter, Netflix, Paypal are some popular examples of SPAs.

IV. Ecommerce Web Apps

With custom web applications development for eCommerce, you can build responsive online stores for your business. Such applications are capable of handling large audience segment and scale accordingly.

Not just that, those are built with online payment integration, transaction integration, mobile commerce, logistics management, internet marketing, and inventory control.

Example: Swiggy, Amazon, Zomato, Walmart, eBay, etc.

V. Multipage Apps

As the name suggests, Multipage web apps consists of multiple pages and each new page reloads from server only when user switches to a different page. You can use some of the best programming languages and technologies like HTML, CSS, AJAX, Javascript, JQuery, etc. to develop such web apps.

Such apps can contain extensive information and scale up without any page restrictions.

Example: Web portals, Catalogs, commercial web apps, online shops, etc.

VI. PWAs

Progressive web apps or PWAs are the most popular kind because they resemble the native mobile applications. Alternatively known as cross-platform web apps, they use progressive enhancement technique and browser API to deliver the native feel.

The prime objective of such PWAs are to deliver improved speed and adaptability.

Example: OLX, MakeMyTrip, Forbes, Starbucks, etc.

VII. Portal Web Apps

Custom web development that allows only verified and approved users access to a portal is used for developing portal web apps. Such applications are used mostly by businesses, corporations, and schools and is open to a limited number of users for operations like content upload, review, chats, and email.

Example: Education portals, Banking portals, customer portals, Employee portals, etc.

Now that you are familiar with the different types of web applications you can build, let’s check the numerous benefits you can leverage.

Benefits of Web Applications

• You only have to build one version of the web app! And several users will use the same version seamlessly.
• Users don’t have to install the app as they need to do in case of mobile apps.
• Web apps are accessible through multiple platforms like laptop, desktop, and mobile.
• It is accessible through multiple browsers.
• Developing web apps is cost-effective.
• Unlike apps, they don’t have to be updated.

Drawbacks of Web Applications

• Relies on internet for accessibility.
• It is completely dependent on website. Thus, if the website goes unresponsive, you will also have trouble accessing the web app.
• Doesn’t compare to mobile apps in terms of speed.
• Despite SSL enforcement, it lacks in quality control and may not be as secure as mobile apps.
• Limited functionalities when compared with non-native apps.

Read More: Top 8 Programming Languages Used by Amazon

How to Build a Web Application?

You can Choose a technology of your choice and develop a web application as per your requirements. Or, connect with a custom web application development company and get a custom app of quality developed.

Here are some basic steps involved with web app development!

Conceptualization

Before involving yourself into the nitty-gritty technical details, you should conceptualize your product. Understand why you are developing a product and what purposes should it serve. Here are a few things you should seek answers to in this phase:

• Intent of your custom web app
• Essential features and additional features
• Target audience
• If your product can solve the pain point of your audience
• Choose preferred technology or type of web application

Prototype and Development

In this phase, you create a wireframe of your product first with all the basic features. You create a clickable prototype to ensure the product is developed appropriately. Once the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is developed, you can seek for feedback and suggestions from a limited number of audience and improve web app performance.

Testing and Implementation

Testing and debugging is a continuous process that’s taken care of in this phase. You will need to test the web application for security and functionality and implement the feedback received to improve your app’s performance.

Hosting and Maintenance

Finally, you have to choose the hosting server as you prefer. Choose from Shared, Dedicated, or Cloud hosting as suitable and take care of your web app’s hosting.

This is the basic procedure you will need to follow to develop a robust and unique web app. You may as well avail of custom web application development services and seek help from professionals for your web app project.

Pro tip: Choose a tech stack based on the type of web app you are building, your intent, and target audience! The various technologies are Python, PHP, LAMP, Ruby on Rails, React, Angular, Django, Angular, JS, etc.

Cost of Developing Web Applications

The cost of developing a web app depends on several factors, such as:

• Features and functionalities
• web application development platforms used
• Hiring model like onsite, offshore, dedicated, or others
• Skill of developers/ development company
• Region of developer

Custom web application development cost will vary from one project to another depending on these factors. Do you want to know your unique cost for the custom web app project? Let us know more about your custom web application development project.

We are a leading web app development company with skilled developers in various cutting-edge technologies. Connecting with our developers should help you proceed with your web app project.

Conclusion

Do you have an interesting web app idea that can take your business to the next level? Then, this is the blog for you! It should help you learn the ins and outs of web app development and how you can benefit from it.