DEV Community: andreyonopriyenko

Native vs. Cross-Platform Mobile App Development

andreyonopriyenko — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 10:37:41 +0000

People make many life- and business-related decisions using the Internet or mobile applications. According to the statistics, the annual number of mobile app downloads is projected to reach 299 billion in 2023. The COVID-19 pandemic made businesses realize that software is the key to withstanding competition and reaching a wider audience. With such an increased user interest, it’s a great time to build your own mobile app.

The stats show that there are 1.85 million apps in the App Store and 2.56 million on Google Play Store. The common reasons businesses build custom mobile apps are:

added value to customers;
enhanced customer engagement;
high-quality customer service;
increased revenue;
develop brand awareness.

Once you`ve decided to develop one, the next step is selecting the right approach.

The two choices are native and cross-platform application development. If you hesitate between them, you’re in the right place. In this article, we will take a closer look at custom mobile app development and compare native vs cross-platform mobile app development, analyzing their pros, cons, and potential use cases.

What is Native App Development?

Native apps are aimed at specific operating systems and devices like Android and iOS. The development process involves tailoring them to a certain platform.

Popular programming languages for native app development include Java and Kotlin for Android and Swift and Objective-C for iOS mobile apps. Native mobile apps are an excellent option if your focus is user experience and interface. This approach lets engineers use hardware elements like GPS, camera, or microphone.

The Benefits of Native Apps

Robust Functionality

Optimization for a certain platform ensures efficiency and fast performance. With no limits in the development process, mobile app developers can leverage APIs and tools provided by a platform.
Additionally, native apps perform flawlessly even if there is no Internet connection. They are more convenient for users living in remote areas or with limited Internet connectivity.

Enhanced scalability

A wide choice of tools and flexible resource management make apps more scalable in the native environment. It is easier to integrate new complex features and technologies. Moreover, the testing process is not so lengthy and demanding.

Supported by app stores

Before publishing, app stores check native apps for data security to make sure they are safe and reliable.

Great performance and UX design

When choosing tools for mobile app development, pay attention to those offering excellent interaction experiences. Native apps are faster because many elements are preloaded, and the data is obtained from the web. The highlight of native apps is attractive UI/UX design combined with simple navigation and a straightforward user experience.

The Drawbacks of Native Apps

Costs a pretty penny

Native app development requires much investment, especially for large-scale projects. This is the first obstacle for businesses. If you plan to launch an app on both platforms, be ready to double your budget.

Requires more time

The scope of work done for one platform can’t be used for another. Since you need to build two apps from scratch, your teams require more time to work on different versions.

A bigger tech team is needed

Native mobile apps require a specific tech stack for different platforms. Hence, it’s hard to find a developer who will build a native app from start to finish. Two teams with different tech stacks are needed to build native apps, while the cross-platform type requires only one team.

When is Native App Development Good?

Native app development is a good fit if:

Robust UX and functionality are a highlight of your mobile app;
You need to use certain device functionality like sensor or camera;
You need to involve 3D elements and animations.

What is Cross-Platform App Development?

Cross-platform mobile apps operate on a unified code base on any OS. Tools like React Native, Xamarin, or Flutter are popular to build cross-platform apps. This approach saves your time and budget, but you sometimes need to compromise the functionality and productivity.

It’s hard to build an app that runs seamlessly on multiple platforms without exceeding the framework capabilities. Cross-platform app development services are preferred by startups that ###strive to optimize their resources.

The Benefits of Cross-Platform Apps

Reusable code

80% of code can be applied on different platforms in a single codebase. It speeds up product development and simplifies the work of engineers.

Speedy and affordable development

A single development cycle is necessary to build such an app. Hence, you need fewer engineers and less time to complete the app development project.

Wider user reach

Cross-platform apps are an excellent option for enterprises that want to reach a broad audience on both platforms within a short time.

Easy maintenance

A unified codebase means making easier updates and fixes. Changes are more accurate, ensuring enhanced performance on all platforms.

The Drawbacks of Cross-Platform Apps

Slower performance

Performance speed is a key factor when comparing native app development versus cross-platform app development. An additional abstraction layer needed for cross-platform apps slows down the performance.

Limited features

Cross-platform solutions have limited support from libraries and SDKs. It can be difficult to customize an app and integrate all the desired features.

Basic UI/UX design

Native UX components can’t be used by cross-platform apps. That’s why they provide an inferior experience compared to native apps.

When is Cross-Platform App Development Good?

A cross-platform app is a good fit if:

You want to launch a mobile app on multiple platforms within a tight budget;
You target both iOS and Android;
Fast app development is needed;
The app has a rather basic feature set that doesn’t differ on different platforms.

A few words about hybrid apps

The hybrid approach lies between a native app or a cross-platform solution. The code is written with CSS/HTML and JavaScript. Then, the code is embedded using such plugins as Capacitor, Apache Cordova, Sencha, etc. It allows access to native functionality, yet the code is written only once for many platforms.

Hybrid apps aim to provide a native-like experience with less effort. Hybrid apps have a smooth UI/UX, and their maintenance and backend development are cheaper and more affordable. However, hybrid apps still lack OS support for specific functionality.

How to Choose the Right Approach for Mobile App Development?

Here are the most important factors to consider when building your mobile application. The fundamental difference between native and cross-platform solutions is the amount of effort and resources you are ready to invest. Before you start the development itself, you need to clarify the following points:

Complexity

If your app deals with heavy data processing or requires access to native functionality and APIs, native app development is optimal for you. If you need something more basic and realize that you can avoid extra performance, cross-platform development is better for your product.

Costs

The chosen technologies and tools for mobile app development also influence the final choice. Platform-specific apps require larger teams with expertise in specific technologies. The main problem is writing separate codebases for every OS.

Time-to-market

Sometimes you need to get an MVP built quickly to exceed the competition. Cross-platform development saves a great deal of time to release an app on all OS and devices.

UI/UX design requirements

The right tech stack for mobile app development is essential to reach your design goals. Pay special attention to front-end development tools responsible for interaction with users. Native app development focuses more on user experience, while the cross-platform approach limits the opportunities.

Native vs Cross Platform App Development: Which is the Winner?

None of the app types discussed in this article is a universal choice for every development project. Before making a choice, you need to clarify your expectations and define your budget. You also need to consult tech-savvy specialists to choose an optimal tech stack. If complexity and flawless user experience are your priority, native app development will work for you.

However, be ready to make big investments. To reach the maximum audience with a limited time and budget, multi-platform app development will fit you. But be prepared for a weaker user experience and a more basic UI/UX design.

To Wrap Up

Regardless of the industry, businesses need to build their own mobile app to reach more customers and keep up with the competition. The final decision on hybrid, native or cross-platform development depends on your unique project conditions and requirements.

Defining your goals, needs, and priorities is the primary step towards the success of your mobile app in the market. All the approaches have their benefits and drawbacks, so you need to figure out which will be most advantageous for your mobile app project.

Hopefully, this article will help you evaluate the main points and select an optimal approach for custom mobile app development.

Top 6 Frontend Frameworks in 2022 for Web Development

andreyonopriyenko — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 11:56:31 +0000

User experience is a priority for businesses that build websites. The functionality behind it can be complex, and usability is a must-have. To construct a user-focused, responsive website, you need to use a frontend framework. In this article, we will discuss the top frontend frameworks in 2022, including their pros, cons, and possible applications.

The frontend framework is a fundamental element of the software development process. There are numerous opportunities to build engaging web apps that ensure a high-quality experience. In this article, we will take a closer look at the most popular frameworks for the frontend to help you make the best choice for your software development project.

The Benefits of Frontend Development

Frontend development turns data into the graphic interface using CSS, HTML, JavaScript, or JavaScript alternatives for web development. With the trend for mobile-first web design, the interface should fit desktop devices, tablets, and smartphones. It is possible by using CSS style sheets. It is frontend development that ensures seamless UX, scalability, and opening of the website. Here are the benefits of using frontend frameworks.

More adaptable and faster features and apps.
Speedy development with user-centered outcomes.
Smooth and secure performance in all browsers and devices.

6 Best Frontend Frameworks to Use in 2022

Based on the State of JS in 2020, we made a list of the top-used frontend frameworks. Keep in mind that there is no best universal framework that works perfectly for every project. To help you make the right choice, we will also mention their benefits, drawbacks, and potential usage.

React

Introduced by Facebook in 2013, React.js takes a leading position among front-end frameworks in 2021. React is used by such enterprises as Facebook, Netflix, and Airbnb. It aims to create responsive UI from reusable elements.

Pros:

Fast and easy to learn
Saves time by reusing components
Open-source library with a wide choice of tools
Enhanced maintenance and easy code changes
Virtual DOM enables stable and predictable performance

Cons:

JSX is hard to understand for beginners
Lengthy learning curve
You can update the components quickly, so it’s hard to support proper documentation

When to use:
It is suitable to develop UI for SPA. React can increase interactivity within a short time due to component reusability.

Angular

Formally launched by Google in 2016, Angular is a framework based on TypeScript. Angular’s special feature is two-way data binding. View and model are synchronized in real-time, so any changes in view are instantly repeated in the model as well as the opposite.

Pros:

The built-in functionality allows easier changes and reduces the amount of code for main features
Directives enable experimenting with DOM and create fully-featured content with HTML
Help and support from a huge developer community
Dependency injectors allow to separate independent components and reuse them to build new elements.

Cons:

Learning Angular takes much effort due to its complication
Dynamic apps may have poor performance

When to use:
Angular is a great choice for developing enterprise-based and progressive applications. It changes the performance of browser-centered apps using two-way data binding.

Vue.js

This is an uncomplicated, small-sized, and handy framework for those who don’t want to face the difficulties of Angular engineers. Its advantages are visual DOM and component-based structure. It is suitable for both dynamic and simple development and allows to build RWAs, web, and mobile apps with ease.

Pros:

Vast and exhaustive documentation
Reusable code is easy to integrate
Easy to work with due to simple syntax
Typescript support

Cons:

Smaller range of features if compared with React or Angular
Doesn’t have a wide community
Most documentation is written in Chinese

When to use:
Vue.js is an excellent fit for complex projects. It is simple, flexible, and straightforward, so you can build dynamic apps from scratch.

Ember.js

Emberjs is very similar to Angular with its component-based structure and two-way data binding. It was launched in 2011 in response to the growing demands of the web development industry. It's versatile structure allows building feature-rich web and mobile apps.

Pros:

One of the fastest frameworks available
Two-way data binding
Well-structured
Reliable documentation
A highly-developed and full-set Package ecosystem to meet your requirements
Backward compatibility

Cons:

Small community because this framework is not so popular
The very complicated syntax can be frustrating while working on Ember.js
An extremely challenging learning curve
Too complex to develop small apps

When to use:
This frontend framework is the best choice for future-oriented apps with robust UI. Ember.js fits large-scale projects and has a wide range of applications, providing great routing.

JQuery

Even though JQuery is one of the oldest frameworks, it is still relevant in the modern tech world. It is simple and usable, but more importantly, it helps avoid writing lengthy JS codes. Initially, it was impossible to develop custom mobile apps with this frontend framework, but it has changed with the introduction of JQuery mobile.

Pros:

Supports all browsers
One of the easiest to learn and use, even if you have little tech knowledge
Easy to add or remove components due to its flexible DOM
Easy HTTP requests
Simplifying dynamic content

Cons:

More advanced front-end solutions are available
Comparatively slow performance
DOM APIs are out-of-date
Its light interface may cause issues in long-term usage

When to use:
JQuery is popular for desktop apps based on JS. It is handy in event management and implementing animations.

Svelte

Svelte is the freshest of all the frameworks we mentioned in our list. In contrast to React and Vue, it converts an app into JS while developing rather than interpreting at running time.

Pros:

Scalability and enhanced reactivity
Faster performance than in React or Angular
Lightweight, usable, and employs the existing JS libraries
The latest solution

Cons:

Minor community
Not enough support
Not as popular yet

When to use:
Svelte is an excellent choice for small mobile apps if you plan to hire a small team. It’s not a good fit for large-scale projects because it lacks support.

In Conclusion

Choosing an optimal frontend development framework may be challenging because of the vast choices. Fronted developers often opt for the most popular solutions available. But the key thing to consider is your projects’ unique requirements and the tech options offered by your service partner. The frameworks listed in this article are flexible, scalable, and have excellent community support.

We hope this article helped you find a framework that enables you to make the most out of your project.

Why You Need to Make a Chatbot for Your Business

andreyonopriyenko — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 12:42:27 +0000

Communication with customers needs to be on-demand and to the point to boost marketing, support, and sales efforts. Seamless engagement with customers increases their loyalty and makes your offers more appealing.

In the past, chatbots were a nice-to-have addition to the main website functionality. But now, they have turned into a handy tool for businesses. Figures show that the global chatbot market is expected to reach around 1.25 billion U.S. dollars in 2025. This article is for business owners who want to find out more about the advantages of using chatbots.

Top 9 Important Benefits of Chatbots for Business

Chatbots are revolutionizing the way businesses reach new customers and retain existing ones. If you plan to make a chatbot in Python for your business, it can become a valuable asset that helps sales, marketing, support, and even HR departments.

1. Streamlined Customer Engagement

One of the huge chatbot benefits for businesses is enhanced engagement. More interaction with customers means increasing brand loyalty and sales success. According to Gartner, this can help develop an efficient content marketing strategy and retarget your business to suitable people.

Chatbots are scalable and flexible to fit businesses of any sphere and for both B2B and B2C segments. Such a fast and smooth experience makes buyers more satisfied. In recent years, bots have become more human-like and can become a valuable part of your marketing. They set a tone of communication and help build closer relationships.

2. Lead Generation Boost

AI-based bots are efficient in raising customer interest. They qualify and nurture the leads and send personalized messages based on user paths and previous actions. The chatbots direct the potential customers to the sales team to complete conversion. The bots drive customer attention by giving relevant recommendations or offers.

3. Optimizing Customer Service Budget

Reduced cost is another significant advantage of chatbots for businesses. Developing and launching is a pricey investment, but it pays off in the long run. You save money on hiring customer support staff. Companies also save on employee training and the infrastructure needed. Moreover, AI-powered bots are more efficient during peak hours and don’t require additional investments.

Chatbots also improve customer experience with the brand and present additional value.

4. Insights from Data Analysis

You can use chatbots for business to interact with customers and track buying behavior and user patterns on the website. Companies can use this valuable data for new marketing strategies and expanding customer reach. They also enhance the post-sales experience by asking for feedback and improving products.

5. Keeping Up With Customer Needs

Customers require instant responses to their questions or complaints. Chatbots are getting smarter and allow an enhanced experience. However, a chatbot for business in any industry needs constant “learning” and adaptation to user needs. Make necessary changes according to the results of data analysis. You can observe the difference in performance and optimize it to achieve your business goals and deliver an improved experience. Here are the ways to make chatbots fit customer expectations:

different invites and welcome messages
adding extra information about the company/organization
introducing new products and services
changing the price
fresh, relevant, and more appealing offers
promoting brand values

6. Handle Large Website Traffic

If you plan to expand your business within a short time, chatbots are future-proof solutions ready for increased traffic on your website. They easily deal with any amount of traffic without any additional expenditures. You easily scale support and deal with numerous chats without errors. They respond to any questions right away and at any time. And they can reach a vast number of prospects that are impossible for humans.

7. Channel For Conversational Marketing

Pressing your customers and convincing them to make a purchase doesn't work in a long-term perspective. Instead of overwhelming customers, try to build two-sided interaction and create a sense of equality. Conversational marketing aims to reduce the frustrating experience and provide more personalized customer service. It helps marketing activities build a more efficient sales channel.

8. Applicable For Many Industries

Regardless of your niche, you can use chatbots for business and feel their considerable benefits. These are the industries where chatbots make the most impact.

Healthcare. With the rising trend of Telemedicine, chatbots help patients choose a doctor, book applications, send medical data, etc. They can even monitor health conditions and send reminders about medicines.

FinTech. Chatbots help handle most financial activities, including transactions. They give all the necessary information right away. Timeliness is critical when it comes to customer service in financial institutions.

Education. The benefit of bots in this industry is creating an individualized educational experience and smart learning systems. You can implement enhanced features like proofreading, evaluation, etc.

E-Commerce. This is another popular industry where chatbots respond to product questions, provide more personalized suggestions, and boost the sales process.

9. Continuous Upgrades And Evaluations

Chatbots need to be optimized and updated constantly. You should track their performance in different areas, such as customer experience and user-friendliness. It means that you need to adjust them to user needs and provide a better experience. Develop a learning process to:

create different invite and welcome messages;
add extra information about the company/brand;
introduce new products/price changes;
display the most appealing offers.

Make Your Business Future-Oriented With Chatbots Advantages

Chatbots are shaping communication with customers. They open new dimensions for sales, customer service, and promotion and are applicable for many processes in all industries. They help businesses optimize expenses while offering faster and more efficient customer care.

And, finally, they allow companies to focus on core activities and build more efficient strategies to outweigh competitors.

4 Easy Ways to Find the Right Mobile App Developers

andreyonopriyenko — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 15:18:30 +0000

Having an excellent mobile app idea means only 7% success. To present a top-level product, you need to focus on the complex development process. Choosing the right development team is essential to save your effort and build an outstanding mobile app. With so many engineering companies offering their services, clients can feel overwhelmed. To help build a detailed plan for contracting the right company, keep reading.

In this article, you will find all the necessary steps before finding app developers and developing a mobile app.

4 Things to Know Before You Find App Developers

According to statistics, 90% of new products fail because they don’t match market needs. To get into that lucky 10%, you need to follow all the pre-development steps we describe below.

Before you start your search for software engineers, you need to ask yourself some questions to define the milestones of your final product and the development process in advance. This will help you avoid misunderstandings with the development team.

1. What Problem or Challenge Does My Application Address?

You need to analyze the market and validate the problem your mobile solution is going to solve. This step is crucial if you plan to outsource mobile app development. It will help the remote team understand your objectives better.

2. What is Its Target Audience?

You need to know who the solution is built for. Define what interests and problems your target users have. The size of your potential user segment also plays a crucial role.

3. How is My App Different From Competitors?

A SWOT competitor analysis will help you focus on your strengths. Using its outcomes, you will develop unique and more attractive offers. Working on a USP is demanding, but it will pay off in the long run.

4. What Are The Main App Requirements And Specifics?

And the last point is more technical. You need to define which platform to use (iOS, Android, or both), the basic and extended feature set, KPIs, a monetization approach, and other strategically important things.

How to Find Mobile App Developers: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have a deeper insight into your future mobile product, it’s time to look for the right team. Keep in mind that there is no universal option perfectly fitting to all projects. Each variant we describe below is relevant in a certain situation and for a certain mobile app development project.

Step 1. Decide Your Approach

Your product needs and specifics should be the key criteria while choosing a suitable development approach. It is essential to determine your business capabilities and objectives beforehand.

In-house team or outsourcing?

Most entrepreneurs want to launch their mobile app as soon as possible without substantial investments. But the quality may suffer in this case. The main issue is whether potential profit and project size are worth hiring in-house engineers or outsourcing. You need to weigh the pros and cons of each approach thoroughly to make a wise decision.

Company or freelancers?

Working with freelancers is the most affordable option of the ones mentioned. If you don’t know how to find an app developer, check out popular freelancer platforms such as Upwork. If you want to go for full-cycle development, it is better to hire a company. They have experience in working as a team, and this will simplify project management.

Step 2. Choose a Destination

Outsourcing mobile app development is a common approach. If you decide to go for it, there are several options. You need to choose between nearshore and offshore outsourcing teams.
North America is a popular outsourcing destination with a wide talent pool. According to the stats, more than half of software specialists are located there.

Europe, particularly the UK and Germany, also offers many skilled specialists. Scandinavian countries keep up with the game and provide high-quality outsourcing services.
However, for the destinations mentioned above, the price tag may be high.

Teams from Eastern Europe and Asia have lower prices. Outsourcing to Ukraine is a good option to optimize the cost without compromising the quality. India and China are also popular destinations, but the solutions developed there may have lower quality.

You need to evaluate not only the location but the team or freelancer.

Step 3. Discover the Tech Stack

There are numerous approaches to build a custom mobile app. Each of them requires a certain tech stack. It is critical to ensure that their technical expertise matches your aims and requirements. Let’s have a closer look at each type:

Native App

This is an app built and designed for a single OS (iOS, Android, or both). For iOS apps, engineers use Swift or Objective-C. Android apps require technologies like Java.

This type has access to the native functionality of the device. Such products are highly functional, but building them is costly and time-consuming.

Web Apps

These apps are built using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Their performance is somewhat limited, but building them is faster and more cost-efficient. The apps are available on all OS using a single source code.

Step 4. Do Some Research on the Candidates

Reviews and Testimonials

Apart from reading positive reviews on the company website, look for reviews on Clutch or GoodFirms. You can also ask previous clients for reviews and find out more details.

Portfolio and Case Studies

This step is essential to verify their technical expertise and experience. Pay special attention to the design of their mobile solutions. UI/UX plays a crucial role in the mobile app’s effectiveness and usability.

Social Media and Blog

In recent years, the importance of having an online presence and good branding has increased for enterprises in every industry. If the company puts significant effort into social media marketing and holds different events, it is a big “plus” to its reputation. Check out the blog articles they write. Expertly written and helpful insights from blog posts are a sign of extensive expertise.

Hiring Platforms

If you don’t know where to find mobile app developers, search on popular hiring services. Websites like Upwork offer different cooperation options and access to freelancers and companies from all over the globe.

Key Takeaways

Developing a mobile app skyrockets your startup opportunities. Selecting the right mobile development team (for example, like KeyUA team) will help you cut expenses and optimize effort. If you follow all the steps above, you will be able to make smart decisions leading to business success.

What is the Difference Between Web App and Website

andreyonopriyenko — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 11:26:19 +0000

The history of website vs web app development began in 1995. Since that time, business goals and implementation approaches have changed significantly. In this article we will talk about which model best meets business needs and tell you what criteria should be considered when choosing.

Web App vs Website: What’s the Difference?

At first glance, it is difficult for users to distinguish web applications from websites, since they have similar navigation, design, and are also both mobile responsive. Nevertheless, the difference is significant and mostly aimed at satisfying the needs of businesses of various sizes. So, let's compare the two main concepts.

What is a Website?

All websites are accessible through browsers and are statistical, which means that their content is not updated dynamically. The main objective of the website is to provide information to the user, including text, photos, videos, and so on. In most cases, the user does not interact with websites. All they can do is leave an email to subscribe to the newsletter or use a search box. Common examples of such websites are blogs, news portals, weather sites, etc. Some websites are used purely for advertising. For example, landing pages that motivate users to purchase certain goods or services.

What is a Web Application?

Unlike a website, a web application has more functionality. These are dynamic pages where users can manipulate data and totally be engaged in interaction. One of the most common examples of web applications is social networks, where users send many requests to the server and instantly receive the updated information. Since a web application is much more difficult to create due to its deep functionalities, this type of development requires an experienced team.

Nowadays the border between a website and web application is blurred. Web apps can act like websites until you sign in to a profile. So in summary, web applications are the same as websites, but with extended functionality and interactivity.

Let's take a closer look at the differences between website vs web app.

Interactivity

The first difference is the varying degree of interaction. A website has visual content, but the user cannot interact with it. Since a web application is used in a completely different way, the platform content is formed depending on the user's preferences. For example, in social networks you see updates only from your friends or offers based on your likes. Online chats are also ways of interacting in a web application. And because of these additional functions, users visit popular web applications more than websites. The popular website Wikipedia is viewed by about 67 million unique users every day, while the popular web appliciation Twitter is reached by over 4 billion.

Integration

Due to deeper user interaction, web applications require integration with third-party services. When considering e-commerce projects, the two most significant integrations are in CRM and payment gateway. CRM is a system that allows you to store information about users in the database, such as their profile data, sales history, and so on. Any e-commerce site where a user can make a purchase, get a consultation, etc. is a web application. On web pages users can only get acquainted with the product or service, such as color, size, and other details. Web applications can also be integrated with social networks, media resources, email services, etc.

Authentication

This is a process whereby users enter their data on an online platform to gain access to more advanced features. The most common example is registration, and it can be implemented both on websites and in web applications. Authentication can take place via SMS, social networks, user login and password, fingerprint, face scan, etc. A long registration process scares users away. According to Baynard Institute, 20% of users will abandon a site if it has registration steps. It means that user authentication is necessary only in those cases where they are implicitly interacting with content and functionality, namely, social networks, online stores, etc.

Development Process

Simple websites can be created in online builders, lots of which now exist on the Internet. You do not need to be a software developer in order to build a business card website or landing page. Web applications can not be created without qualified specialists. In this case, you will need to set up the server, configure the database, create a search engine, and write the source code. And this is another important peculiarity that distinguishes an application from a site. If you want the software to have extended functionality, then you should turn to reliable developers.

Testing

Testing is an integral part for the building of any software. This is a process in which a specialist studies the specifications and compares the expected result with the actual result. Any deviations from the specifications should be documented. In other words, a tester must make sure that a product works in accordance with the wishes of the client. In the case of a website, the time and cost of testing will be significantly lower than the cost of checking a web application due to limited functionality. When a quality assurance engineer needs to test various functions, this requires certain skills and abilities including writing automation tests.

Types of Web Apps

Before making a choice one way or the other, let's go over the types of web applications and their definition.

Single-Page Application (SPA)

The essence of this web application is that it is constantly updated, without user requests. Users don't have to move among web pages. A site constantly updates data and sends visitors notifications. The content on application pages can also be changed depending on the actions of visitors (when they hover over or click on certain buttons) and without the participation of users (when they receive incoming messages on the screen). Examples of SPA web apps are Facebook, YouTube, and Gmail.

Progressive Web Apps (PWA)

A progressive application is a modern way of online development that allows the software to compete with native applications. The essence of these apps is that they offer extra features, such as offline work, push notifications, access to equipment, and so on. Previously, these functions were available only in the process of native development (building an application that uses the original programming languages), but the evolution of IT has made the app building process more convenient and affordable.

The concept of a progressive application was born in 2015 through the merger of a website and a mobile application. This was the result of some basic browser restrictions, including the speed and quality of the Internet connection, that all users and developers faced. Also, a progressive application can be implemented as a separate program, which must be installed on your device. Striking examples of such software are Skype, AliExpress, Telegram, Spotify, and PayPal.

Static Web Applications

Static web applications have a limited set of functions and rarely changed content. Typically, small businesses or single entrepreneurs resort to such methods in order to create an information site. Unlike other types of web applications, user interaction is minimal. Examples are Mint, Dropbox, and Play Works.

Dynamic Web Applications

These are technically more complex projects. Their content is updated every time a user interacts with the platform. At the same time, the information is updated very quickly and does not require access to the server. Such applications also have a control panel that allows administrators to easily change site data without technical knowledge. The most popular examples are Netflix and HubSpot.

Hybrid Apps

In some cases, the approach of creating traditional and static web applications may be mixed. Hybrid applications are born to save the fully generated content pages and then display special data without requesting the server. The essence of the hybrid approach is that some functions of the platform are processed by the browser, and the rest by the server. It’s a good solution for many large companies. Airbnb uses this approach.

Shop Online Or E-Commerce

This type of development involves integration with payment systems. Web applications sell goods or services and also check users' personal data. Due to the online payment function, such projects should have a high level of security in order to protect customers' money during the transaction. Popular e-commerce web apps are Amazon, Etsy, AliExpress, and WizzAir.

Portal Web App

Such applications allow users to see useful content, i.e. the information that they are most likely to prefer. These platforms study the behavior of visitors in order to develop an algorithm for displaying content based on their preferences. They also allow users to generate their own content and communicate with other accounts. Examples are Twitter, Instagram, Medium, and Western Union.

Online Web Apps With A Content Management System

These are third-party applications that control site content. Usually they are used for corporate needs. The administrator makes, changes and manages the site data without changing the source code. Also, such software is actively used to manage blogs. Top apps are WordPress, Wix, and Joomla.

What to Choose for Your Business: Web App or Website

In many respects, the web site and web applications are similar, nevertheless, their differences are aimed to satisfy the needs of various types of businesses. So, before deciding what type of development is needed in your case, consider a few essential aspects.

Your business goals. If your business is not focused on selling online, social networks, or interacting with users, and you conduct business offline, then developing a traditional website is best for you. If you need static advertising pages, a one-page online brochure, or just a business card website without lots of functionality, then think of creating a simple website.
Your budget. Web application development is a more complex and lengthy process, and therefore more costly. You will need to hire an experienced team including a developer, designer, tester, and so on. A website can be created at minimal cost using online constructors.
Marketing approach. If you want to improve your marketing strategy, a web application is what you need. This will allow you to interact more closely with users and motivate them to purchase your goods and services.

Website Project vs Web Application Project: What Technologies to Choose

Even if you do not want to get into technical details, if you plan to maintain your online business in the future, it will still be useful for you to familiarize yourself with the basic technical stacks for developing Internet platforms.

Website - Simple web pages are developed using front-end programming languages HTML, CSS, JavaScript (the front-end means everything users can see on the screen and what they interact with). Those languages are pretty easy to run, so a website can be built in several days. You can also use a tool like Bootstrap, which provides access to a variety of websites and application templates.

Web App - Web apps include several components: installing a server, setting up a database, writing source code (backend - a component that sends requests to the server), and creating a search engine. The technologies that are used to develop web applications are more complex and advanced. It takes at least 3 months to make a solid web app.

Stacks that were used to create the most popular online platforms:

Netflix:

Server - AWS, Node.js
Databases - Amazon RDS
Backend language - Java, Flask (Python framework)
Frontend language - React

Amazon:

Server - AWS
Databases - Amazon RDS, MySQL, DynamoDB
Backend language - Java
Frontend language - AngularJs, GWT

Instagram:

Server: Nginx
Databases: PostgreSQL
Backend language: Django
Frontend language: React

How Much Does it Cost to Develop

When it comes to price, a web app will cost you more. The price is affected by such features as the complexity of the project, the amount of time needed for development, hourly rate, and the number of team members. Since the development of web applications is a more complex process, requiring advanced knowledge in various fields, the cost of building a project is not cheap.

On average, experienced developers will charge you $50 per hour. You can find lots of offers at a lower price, but most likely you will get poor quality of implementation. If you need a website, you may agree to a lower rate, as this is a less labor-intensive process.

The Closing Act: Website vs Web Application Project

When considering a web app versus website, it must be understood that web applications bear additional responsibility in protecting the personal data of users, ensuring secure transactions, and increasing overall protection of the platform. Websites are also susceptible to hacker attacks, but these actions do not typically harm users.

Another issue that matters is the objectives of your business. There is no need to create complex apps if your business isn't involved in online marketing campaigns or sales.