Web Application Development

Strategic provides many options to clients looking to build web applications. Most customers today want to enable their users to utilize their applications using both web browsers and mobile devices. Fewer and fewer are requesting that their applications work as a desktop applications, although some still do want their applications to support desktop, web, and mobile use.

 

What is a web ppplication?

A web application, often referred to as a web app, is an interactive computer program built with web technologies (HTML, CSS, JS), which stores (Databases, Files) and manipulates data (CRUD), and is used by a team or single user to perform tasks over the internet. CRUD is a popular web application development acronym that stands for Create, Read, Update, and Delete. Web apps are typically accessed via a web browser, and often involve a login/signup mechanism. SaaS applications are good examples of complex interactive web applications.

​

Web applications vs websites

The key difference is how users interact with each. Web applications are defined by their input - meaning, users create, read, update and delete data within a web application. Whereas, websites are defined by their output - where users read the news, blogs, product information, FAQs, etc on websites.

​

Web application development

Web development is more focused on interacting with the browser than standard engineering processes. Most web application development projects follow the path of defining the problem, mocking-up the solution, engaging with users, adopting a framework/choosing a tool, architecting the tech stack, and finally building and testing the web application. The purpose of frameworks is to make web application development easier and faster than coding a web app from scratch.

​

• Define the problem you are solving

Your solution arises from your problem.

• Plan the workflow of the web application

What needs to happen within your web application for it to solve the problem?

• Wireframe/prototype the web application

Transform your workflow into a wireframe for communicating your solution to your target user.

• Seek Validation

Present your wireframe to potential users of the application. Then, with the feedback, iterate on the design until you are satisfied the problem is being properly addressed and solved.

• Build

Frontend, Backend, and Database

• Test

Functionality, usability, compatibility, security and performance testing.

​

Progressive web applications:

Progressive web applications are a newer type of web application which can behave like, and often outperform, native applications. Meaning, they are web applications which follow a slightly different methodology, and involve an additional set of technologies such as service workers, manifests, and push notifications. A big difference from traditional web applications, is that progressive web applications can be downloaded to your device, and stored on your homescreen which makes them accessible, and ‘native-like’, and unlike web applications they can be accessed and used offline.