6 Most Relevant Types of Web Application Development
You already know what a web application is and how it differs from other types of applications for mobile devices. The development of web applications is not exactly exclusive for smartphones or tablets, but it is intended to be executed in any browser, either on desktops or laptops or mobile devices. But this time we will look into the classification of the types of web applications .
The classification is done based on the function of how the web application are presented with the content they display.
Based on the above criteria, We distinguish web applications in six types:
1. Static web application
If we choose to create a static web app, the first thing we should know is that this type of web app shows little information, and does not usually change much.
As a rule they are usually developed in HTML and CSS using web development IDE. Although they can also show moving objects such as banners, animated GIFs, videos, etc. somewhere in the web application . You can also talk about web application development with jQuery and Ajax .
In addition, modifying the contents of static apps is not easy. To do this, you would have to download the HTML, modify it and upload it again to the server. And those changes can only be made by the webmaster or web development company that programmed and designed the web app. Or you need to find a professional to replace that team.
Some examples of static web applications are professional portfolios or a digital curriculum. Similarly, a company presentation page could also have this type of web application to display your contact information, etc.
2. Dynamic web application
The dynamic web applications are much more complex technically. They use databases to upload information, and these contents are updated every time the user accesses the web app. They generally have an administration panel (called CMS) from which one can correct or modify the contents, be they texts or images.
There are many programming languages for the development of dynamic web applications . PHP and ASP languages are the most common because they allow good content structuring.
The update process is very simple and you don't even need to enter the server to modify it. In addition to allowing you to implement many features such as forums or databases. The design, and content can be modified to suit the requirements. If you’re not familiar with web development then always look for professional web development services from a reputed company.
3. Online store or electronic commerce
If the web application is a store or digital commerce, we can say that the development will tend to resemble that of an m-commerce or an e-commerce . The development is more complicated because you must allow electronic payments through credit card, PayPal, or other payment method. In these, the developer must also create a management panel for the administrator. From it you will upload the products, update or delete them, as well as manage orders and payments.
Some examples of stores that have a commercial web application could be that of any large company. In this case, the web app fits the mobile device as a mobile application, allowing it to interact with it as if it were a native app.
4. Web portal application
With portal we refer to a type of application in which the main page allows access to various sections, categories or sections. There may be everything: forums, chats, email, search engine, access area with registration, most recent content, etc.
5. Animated web application
When talking about animation, we associate it with FLASH technology . This type of programming allows you to present content with animated effects. It also allows more creative and modern designs. It is one of the most used technologies by designers and creatives. The drawback of the development of animated web applications is that for web positioning and SEO optimization issues. This type of technology is not the most appropriate since search engines cannot read the information correctly.
6. Web application with content manager
In the case of web applications in which the content must be continuously updated. You will need to install a content manager (CMS) through which the administrator can make the changes and updates himself.
These managers are intuitive and very simple to manage. Some examples of content managers are:
WordPress: It is undoubtedly the most widespread of content managers. There is a lot of information on the net, tutorials and guides to personalize it, and is also free.
Joomla: It is the second in the top CMS after WordPress. It does have a powerful community.
Drupal: It is a free CMS software. It is very adaptable, and especially recommended to generate communities.
This type of web application is very common for content pages: personal blogs, corporate blogs, professional blogs, news pages, articles, media, etc.
Other considerations when creating web applications
Each type of web application will have its strengths and weaknesses, but we remind you that ultimately it is still a web application, not a native app. You should also consider to follow the upcoming web development trends to keep yourself updated with the latest things happening in web development field.