In this article, we will introduce the topic of web applications. What exactly are web applications? How do they work? What are the benefits for users and businesses using web applications? And finally, examples of well-known applications that you may even use on a daily basis.
What is a web application?
A web application is software designed for desktop devices and operating via a browser that provides a service to the user. It can be any service, such as the possibility of making a reservation, buying, watching a movie online, or online learning course. Web applications for the average user are no different from websites. In reality, however, their construction is a bit more complex, and it uses different technologies.
Types of web applications
There are different types of web applications. First of all, they can be divided according to the type of service they provide. So, few possible types of the applications:
- Transaction – otherwise known as financial or fintech apps, i.e. related to the financial and technology industry. Transaction applications are used, among others, to make online payments and money transfers, to handle personal finances or a bank account. Well-known apps of this type are, for example, Paypal or Revolut, as well as your bank’s web application.
- Booking – is a type of application that is used to book, for example, a table in a restaurant, cinema tickets from one of the well-known chains, or a hotel for holidays, such as Booking.com or Airbnb. One of the most popular booking apps in recent years is Booksy.
- Advertisements – these applications have taken over the role of newspapers, websites with announcements, internet forums and bazaars. It is through them that users can promote their services or put up for auction items that they no longer want. The most popular marketplaces of this type are e.g. Facebook marketplace, e-bay or Allegro. Advertising applications can also be targeted at a specific industry, e.g. applications with job advertisements are so-called HR applications.
- E-learning – applications for learning foreign languages, such as the world-famous Duolingo, which not only offers several dozen different language courses, but also uses the Artificial Intelligence algorithm in the paid version, which helps to increase the efficiency of time spent on learning. Thanks to the apps, you can also learn many other things, including sports, painting, or simply everyday education.
- Sales – online stores such as Zalando or Decathlon are also nothing more than web applications, the purpose of which is to make purchases.
There are definitely more types of web applications, e.g. social applications – i.e. those that give users the opportunity to build their own community, such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or even Youtube. Another case is Content Management Applications, i.e. the so-called CMS or applications for stock management, i.e. ERP systems.
Can I have my web application?
Naturally, if you have an idea for an application, you can implement it. There are two ways to do this. In the first scenario, you need to learn programming and create the source code for your web application yourself. Another solution is to hire a company that develops web applications, e.g. https://crustlab.com/
