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Web applications: Advantages and disadvantages Which are the most developed?

In our current reality, the constant use of all kinds of applications that facilitate daily tasks is already common. Some of these are for mobile, others are web applications. According to the website Yeeply, a web application is one that runs directly from the browser of any device. In other words, you don't need installation. We recently explained the differences of these from mobile applications. In that article you can also know their similarities. But, speaking specifically of web applications, what are their advantages and disadvantages?

Advantages of web applications

Let's start by talking about the benefits of web applications. In the first place, we can mention that it is a quick and economical solution since, compared to other types of software development, they have less demands and can be created in less time.

Also, you don't need to create different versions to work on all the devices and operating systems out there. Just one version is enough and that's it. This is because web applications work directly from the browser.

Added to this, another advantage is that the web environment is excellent for attracting new users. One of the reasons is that they don't need to install anything on their computers. In this way, you do not waste hard disk space or risk malware.

Web applications are created using languages known to many browsers, such as HTML and CSS. Likewise, the updates that are needed will be uploaded directly to the server where the application is hosted and the user will not need to do anything on their part.

Another great advantage is that web applications have less tendency to hang and suffer bugs because they do not conflict with other applications or security protocols of the devices.

Disadvantages of web applications

Just as there are advantages, there are also cons. The first that we are going to mention is the need for the web app to be responsive, otherwise it will not be able to be used properly on some devices, such as tablets, mobiles and computers with a small monitor.

They are not usually available in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to download and install on a mobile device. In other words, they can only be used from a browser. This creates yet another disadvantage and that is that since native apps are usually downloaded, they are more likely to be used more frequently than those that need to be opened from the web.

Also, web applications often need more Internet connectivity to function properly. An app that is installed is likely to continue working (depending on its purpose) despite not having an Internet connection.

The fact that applications on the web necessarily require an internet connection can be a problem for those who do not have access to one or, if they do, it is unstable. This makes the user experience not very good.

Likewise, they depend on the response of the browser that is used to run the application, and if it has errors, the app will not work.

What web applications are developed most often?

We can classify web apps as follows:

Static web application: They show little information and do not change much. They are generally developed in HTML and CSS. Examples can be a digital CV or a presentation of a company.
Dynamic web application: These are much more technically complex, especially because they use databases to load the information and their contents are updated every time the user accesses the application.

Virtual store, ecommerce or electronic commerce: This is an even more complex app because it requires complicated developments involving payment methods, administration panel and others.
Web portal: A web portal includes various sections, categories or sections, such as forums, chats, search engines, email, registration, among others.

Web application with content manager: A common example is any CMS, content manager system or content manager, like WordPress or Joomla.

Some web applications that you surely know and have ever used are Gmail, YouTube, Drive, Calendar, Maps and Amazon.

What are the web applications you use the most and why? What are your favorites? Let us know in the comments! And do not forget to see other articles of interest in our blog or from get in touch with us if you are considering creating your own web application this 2021. We are waiting for you!