A web application, or web app, is a type of software accessible through a web browser, offering functionality that visually resembles native applications but without the need for installation.

Unlike native apps, a typical web app can run on different platforms all at once. This is because web apps depend on browsers and don’t have a close contact with their host devices’ hardware or operating systems.

However, web applications look like native apps when accessed on mobile browsers. These applications leverage a combination of client-side scripts (such as JavaScript and HTML) for user interface interactions and server-side scripts (like PHP and ASP) for data processing.

Web apps vs. websites

Web apps should not be confused with websites, which are also accessible through browsers. Web applications are highly interactive software that performs tasks like perform math calculations or let users manipulate data and see data changes in real-time. Websites, on the other hand, tend to merely provide information in much the same way as an ordinary newspaper or restaurant menu.

Advantages of web apps

• Platform-agnostic. Web apps operate seamlessly on diverse platforms without the need for platform-specific development.
• Cost-efficient. With low upfront costs, web apps provide an economical solution as they don’t require extensive development efforts for different platforms.
• Easy maintenance. Platform-agnostic nature simplifies both construction and maintenance, utilizing common coding languages.

Disadvantages of web apps

• Internet dependency. Web apps often require an internet connection for functionality, limiting their use offline.
• Limited functionality. Due to their platform-agnostic design, web apps may have reduced access to device features, leading to decreased functionality.

Web app examples

Some examples of web apps are the email service Gmail, the social networking app Twitter, and the sports prediction application Dimers.