A Beginner’s Guide to Web Application Development (2023)

For small businesses, creating a web-based application can be pretty daunting, especially if the digital solution is a deal-breaker in your strategy to stay ahead of the market.

Your app vision requires meticulous planning and execution, with various technical know-how to become a reality.

So, what are the must-know web application development basics?

Explore this quick guide to have an in-depth grasp of web application development, examples, benefits, as well as a typical development process.

What Is a Web Application?

Popularly known as a web app, a web application is an interactive computer program that can be accessed via web browsers connected to the internet.

Unlike standard websites, web applications are more distinguished by their input, where they allow end users to read, create, delete, or even update data within the app.

What is Web Application Development?

This is the process of programming web apps using server-side and client-side technologies to run on remote servers, and get delivered to the user via an online browser.

A typical web application development for beginners involves designing, building, testing, deploying, and ongoing technical support.

Programming languages used to build a simple web application include JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Other technologies used in web app dev include back-end frameworks, Django, Meteor JS, Yii, Laravel, and blockchain.

Examples of Popular Web Apps

Knowing how to create a web application also extends to understanding the different types of business digital solutions that fall under this category.

Each type of application has its features and uniqueness, making it ideal for a specific line of business.

Here are the most prevalent types of custom web app development.

eCommerce Web Applications

These are applications that empower businesses to sell their products and services online. eCommerce web applications have given rise to various business models, such as business-to-business (B2B), consumer-to-consumer (C2C), and business-to-consumer (B2C), among others.

CMS Web Applications

Businesses usually build CMS web applications to seamlessly manage their website content, as well as integrate other third-party tools for automation. Administrators in a CMS web app usually assign roles and responsibilities to other users, based on company policy.

Portal Web Applications

Portal web applications are accessed via a secure login prompt. It can be a specific assigned number or pre-approved user credentials. These applications include government staff portals, student portals, employee portals, or even online banking portals.

What are the Benefits of a Web Application?

Programming or writing web apps is a trend that has gained popularity for good reasons. Essentially, any business regardless of size can build web applications and:

Improve Business Organization

Web apps, such as CMS and CRM can help businesses organize their content strategies and manage customer data prudently. With such tools, your businesses can seamlessly stay connected and optimize resources accordingly to achieve overarching goals.

Multiple OS Support

Knowing how to write web apps and building one for your business doesn’t limit you to a single platform. Innovative programming web app developers can design and build you a digital solution that runs on multiple operating systems to widen your reach.

Swift Scalability

A well-thought web application process by a reputable service provider will empower your business to scale rapidly, with the foregoing market demand. Every feature within the app can be upgraded, or even integrated with third-party components to help you maintain a competitive edge.

The Development Process

Although various companies and developers might follow different development steps when building a web app, or during mobile application development, the goal is usually one—to build a secure, business-ready solution with superior customer experience. Here is a typical process:

• Assessment of web application idea
• Conversion of the idea into a development workflow
• Prototyping of the web application
• Prototype testing
• Choosing tools, technologies, and frameworks
• Application development
• Manual and automated testing
• Deployment
• Ongoing support

The Final Word

Web-based app development is the best thing that could happen to your business, especially if you are going to optimize efficiency, customer service, and stimulate sales.

Leverage this guide on web application development for beginners today and get started.