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With the advancement of technology and the need to make virtual services even more accessible, many companies have started investing in web apps to further transform the user’s digital experience.

With the rapid growth of the internet in recent years, a universe of new possibilities has emerged—boosted by the rise of mobile applications for smartphones and other devices.

Today, it’s possible to have a series of features in the palm of your hand, along with simpler designs and interfaces that help bring different audiences together on the same platform.

And because of this simplicity, app usage stopped being restricted to smartphones only, expanding its convenience to other channels—and giving rise to the web app.

So, get to know this model better and the benefits it can bring to your company, as well as the impact it has on users’ daily lives.

Keep reading to learn everything about:

• - What a web app is;
• - How a web app works;
• - The difference between a native app, a hybrid app, and a web app;
• - The difference between a web app and a Progressive Web Application;
• - Advantages and disadvantages of a web app;
• - How to know if my company needs a web app;
• - Web app examples.

What is a web app?

A web app is a responsive website that behaves like a mobile app. In this case, it runs through the browser itself and aims to offer an experience similar to an application.

It is accessed through an active URL and can be found in versions for computers and also for smartphones through the device’s browser.

In addition, a web app can be used for different purposes—personal or business. Many companies are investing in responsive platforms that offer more accessible services for users who prefer desktop usage.

It’s also common for people to associate the concept only with conventional apps, such as social networks that can be accessed on desktop.

However, some examples of web app usage include:

• - Social networks;
• - Webmail;
• - E-commerce;
• - Catalogs.

In this way, internet sites that work like an application may fit into this category.

>> Learn also: how to develop an app for your company?

How does a web app work?

Unlike conventional apps, a web app doesn’t need to be downloaded to the device to provide its services. To access it, the user simply opens it directly in a browser such as Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.

In this case, the platform becomes available for any device that has a browser, which even enables use on smartphones without downloading.

However, the web application behaves like a website, meaning it needs a server to host its content, as well as an application server and a database.

Today, the most common programming languages used to build a web app are:

Front-end

Front-end is basically the responsive part that the user can see. To give it form, you need to use:

• - HTML5;
• - JavaScript;
• - CSS (Cascading Style Sheets).

These are part of the front-end and are required to build a web app.

Back-end

When it comes to servers—also known as back-end—some well-known names in this universe are:

• - Node.js;
• - Python;
• - Java;
• - Ruby.

These applications also tend to be faster and cheaper to develop, because they don’t need to be compiled for each device.

What is the difference between a native app, a hybrid app, and a web app?

One of the main goals of a web app is to offer a user experience similar to a mobile application.

However, mobile app development includes different approaches, such as native and hybrid, which define the characteristics of the product—and, consequently, what it can deliver.

So, before moving forward with a web app development (or adopting this option in daily operations), it’s worth understanding the main concepts in this niche and the practical differences compared to a web app:

What is a native app?

A native app is built specifically for a platform or device, and then installed on that platform.

In this case, there may be only one source code, but it is compiled for a specific device using available technologies, such as React Native.

It is a type of compilation that makes better use of the functionalities of the platform it was created for.

For example, an app made for Android may not offer all the features if installed on iOS—or may not even be available.

In general, native apps can better take advantage of the device hardware, which can optimize their performance.

What is a hybrid app?

Originally, a hybrid app was a codebase that could be generated for more than one device, so that the mobile version had a web-view format with native components of the system.

This made the app accessible on smartphones and also on desktop, for example.

However, this approach caused slower loading and was even discontinued in some operating systems such as iOS.

Today, when people talk about hybrid apps, the goal is usually a cross-platform program—meaning responsive on more than one platform.

Even so, it may still have limitations, such as push notifications, which Android allows but iOS does not (in certain hybrid approaches).

There are also restrictions regarding features such as camera usage. A hybrid app with a barcode scanner, for example, may not work on desktop, because it is still constrained by the web layer, which limits some capabilities of the original code.

Main differences between them

The practical difference between these categories is what features are available in each one.

A native app can explore user experience more deeply because it is built for a specific platform with full compatibility.

On the other hand, a hybrid app—built for both mobile and web—may reduce certain features to broaden its availability without harming the user.

For example, a codebase designed around camera usage may not support all camera functions on desktop, even if it is hybrid: it may allow taking photos but not facial recognition.

That is because the web format, within the hybrid approach, brings limitations.

Meanwhile, a web app is a website adapted to work like an app, and it does not necessarily operate like a hybrid application.

In addition, mobile apps—native or hybrid—can be found in each system’s app stores. A web app, however, is accessed only through a URL.

What is the difference between a web app and a Progressive Web Application?

Another model that can be confused with a web app is the Progressive Web App (PWA), or “Aplicação Web Progressiva” in Portuguese.

It is considered an evolution of the web app, as it aims to get closer and closer to native and hybrid apps.

Some of these capabilities allow, for example, offline usage of app functions, more independently from the browser—while still being web-based.

The idea is to create a website that is more similar to an app available in stores, with improvements implemented over time—progressively.

A key characteristic that differs from a traditional web app is that a PWA can be made available separately from the browser, without requiring a URL.

It can be installed on the user’s home screen, without needing to open the browser and search for the URL, for example.

In addition, it can offer an interface closer to an app, making it simpler to use, and it can provide features that a basic web app does not support. For instance, a PWA can implement push notifications—one of the limitations of older web app approaches.

>> Learn also: how much does it cost to develop an app for your company?

Web app benefits for businesses

After learning more about web apps and other possible application types, it’s worth checking the benefits of this resource and why it can be worth investing in it:

1. No installation required

A web app offers features similar to a mobile application, but with the advantage of not requiring installation on the device—so it doesn’t take up storage space.

The only requirements to use a web app are an internet connection and a browser, which always comes with smartphones and computers. In this way, the service doesn’t compromise available storage.

In addition, it isn’t invasive, since it doesn’t force installation if the user is not interested.

2. Accessible on multiple platforms

A web app can be accessed through the smartphone’s browser without downloading an app for the system. The same applies to tablets and other devices that have a functional browser.

This expands accessibility and makes the experience more inclusive.

The same happens across different kinds of desktops, the predominant access channel. For example, it is not necessary to use only a personal computer—the web app can be accessed on corporate desktops as well.

3. Everyone uses the same version of the app

All users access the same version of the application, regardless of platform, as long as it is a web app.

That’s because native apps can have differences in features depending on the operating system.

But since web app features are available through a website, the resources are the same for everyone.

4. Easy sharing through a link

Sharing a web app is easier because it is a URL.

Not only can the link be copied more easily, but access is also simple. Users just open the URL and can use the tools—without needing to install anything.

This makes it possible to share the resource quickly.

In addition, innovations that enhance web apps also bring other capabilities, such as deep linking, or smart links. With it, sharing a URL avoids losing context.

For example, it can integrate the app experience for another user even if they don’t have the app or an account—and after guiding them through that, it continues to show the content that was originally shared.

This is just one of the possibilities that can accompany web app functionality.

5. Stronger digital presence for the brand

Finally, it’s worth mentioning that a web app also strengthens a brand’s digital presence, since it is always available online—even if there are issues with other channels.

Native app unavailability, for instance, can happen for several reasons such as maintenance or outages.

However, having a web app as an alternative helps ensure the company’s online presence doesn’t go “dark”.

Web app disadvantages

On the other hand, there are some points of attention worth highlighting so you understand this resource more completely:

It can’t be used offline

One less positive characteristic of a web app is that it generally can’t be used offline, since it depends on an internet connection to load.

That means users who are not online may not be able to use the service.

It doesn’t access all phone features

Also, as mentioned, a web app may not offer all the functions available on a smartphone, especially features that depend on native mobile resources.

This can limit the user experience, especially if those resources are necessary.

Slower access

Some users may feel access is slower compared to apps that are already installed, because they need to open the browser and type or search for the URL.

On mobile, by contrast, it’s enough to tap an icon and the features load on the screen, slightly optimizing usage time.

How do I know if my company needs a web app?

Finally, after learning more about web apps, many managers may ask whether the company needs a solution like this.

First, it’s important for a company to have a website—whether it is in app-like format or not. This helps communicate professionalism and seriousness, and it strengthens digital presence.

However, for some segments such as retail, a web app can be fundamental, because it expands service channels and makes it easier for customers to buy—even for users who have difficulty downloading an app.

In addition, internal management can become simpler with this tool, because it makes access more practical for employees directly on desktop.

In corporate environments, it’s also important to consider that the main device used is the computer, so investing in a web application can benefit internal routines.

In this case, it’s worth considering an app or web app for your company—especially if you’re looking for a differentiator for your brand.

Web app examples

Now, check out some web app examples that show how these resources make users’ routines more practical:

Gmail

Gmail is Google’s email service, which also offers a web application for users.

Through the site, it’s possible to access many of the same tools available on mobile, with an interface that is very similar—including buttons and overall design.

Canva

Canva was originally created as a mobile design app for collages and different kinds of compositions.

However, it also provides a responsive website with the same tools, which makes it more accessible—especially considering its purpose. After all, editing images and creating collages can be easier on desktop.

WhatsApp Web

Among the best-known web apps is WhatsApp Web, which, as the name indicates, was created for browsers.

It also developed a PWA version that enables access more independently from the browser, while keeping the main contact and integration features with the native app.

Social networks

Another interesting example of web apps is social networks such as Facebook and Twitter.

Although they have mobile and desktop versions, it is also possible to access these networks via the website.

In general, the web format can be more data-efficient, with a simpler design to be used through the site, without needing to install any program.

Google Docs

Google Docs is one of Google’s tools for text editing and is one of the most successful web applications.

Its interface is responsive, and one of the highlights is link sharing, which makes it easier to send and receive content that is ready for collaborative editing.

The possibilities offered by Google Docs made it one of the most used web apps, meeting user needs very well.

Is it worth investing in a web app?

Looking at web apps and how they work, it’s possible to confirm that this resource can be worth it—especially for businesses.

In addition to expanding the brand’s digital presence by offering an additional access channel, a web app is also practical and can be more inclusive for the public and for internal employees.

As a result, it’s an interesting tool considering its practicality and ease of development.

That’s why a web app is an attractive option for companies, while also being advantageous for users.

Interested? Build a web system with people who understand technology! Talk to one of our specialists and find out what the best solution is for your digital business.

Read also

>> How to gamify your app: 4 successful examples

>> How much does it cost to build an app?