A web-based application is a software program that allows users to interact with a remote server through a web browser. When accessed on a mobile device, web applications can look very similar to native mobile apps, making it difficult for users to tell the difference. However, there are important distinctions behind the scenes, particularly in how they are built and maintained.
Although mobile web traffic has surpassed desktop usage, desktop still accounts for 43.5% of global internet traffic. This highlights why web-based applications remain a critical channel for businesses to engage with their users across multiple devices.
Web-Based Apps vs. Native Mobile Apps
Native mobile applications are specifically designed to be installed and used on mobile devices. Developers build them for particular operating systems, such as iOS or Android, and users typically download them from app stores like the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Compared to web-based applications, native apps are generally more expensive to develop and maintain. Businesses often need to build and support separate versions for iOS and Android, which increases both development time and long-term costs.
However, native mobile apps offer clear advantages. They provide a smoother user experience, stronger security, and direct access to device features such as GPS, cameras, and biometrics. These capabilities allow apps to deliver richer functionality and enhanced security.
Web-Based Apps vs. Websites
Because both web-based applications and websites are accessed through a browser, users often confuse the two. The key difference lies in how users interact with them.
Websites primarily display static content designed to inform visitors. Users can read the content, but they typically cannot modify or interact with it. In contrast, web-based applications are interactive. They allow users to read, write, and manipulate data, offering significantly more functionality than traditional websites.
Examples of Web Applications
Web applications are commonly used by cloud-based SaaS companies such as Google (Gmail) and Shopify. Many financial institutions also rely on web apps, including UnionBank’s online banking platform, to deliver secure and interactive services.
Advantages of Web-Based Applications
- Platform-agnostic: Web applications work across different devices and operating systems through a compatible browser, helping reduce development costs.
- Quick implementation: Compared to native apps, web applications are faster and easier to build.
- Lower maintenance costs: Developers can deploy updates in real time without going through app store approval processes, making maintenance simpler and more efficient.
Developing Web Applications
Although the use of native mobile applications is rising because of the popularity of mobile devices, the usefulness of web-based applications cannot be discounted. It is still an important platform for businesses to provide services or products to their customers and end-users. They are relatively easy to build and inexpensive to maintain.
Need help in deciding whether to opt for a web-based application or a native mobile application? Talk to us today!
