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1.2. Analyzing overall state of existing web application and limitations of web applications
A web application or "web app" is a software program that runs on a web server. Unlike traditional desktop applications, which are launched by your operating system, web apps must be accessed through a web browser.
Web apps have several advantages over desktop applications. Since they run inside web browsers, developers do not need to develop web apps for multiple platforms. For example, a single application that runs in Chrome will work on both Windows and OS X. Developers do not need to distribute software updates to users when the web app is updated. By updating the application on the server, all users have access to the updated version.
From a user standpoint, a web app may provide a more consistent user interface across multiple platforms because the appearance is dependent on the browser rather than the operating system. Additionally, the data you enter into a web app is processed and saved remotely. This allows you to access the same data from multiple devices, rather than transferring files between computer systems.
While web applications offer several benefits, they do have some disadvantages compared to desktop applications. Since they do not run directly from the operating system, they have limited access to system resources, such as the CPU, memory, and the file system. Therefore, high-end programs, such as video production and other media apps generally perform better as desktop applications. Web apps are also entirely dependent on the web browser. If your browser crashes, for example, you may lose your unsaved progress. Also, browser updates may cause incompatibilities with web apps, creating unexpected issues.
Some people prefer desktop apps, while others prefer web applications. Therefore, many software companies now offer both desktop and web versions of their most popular programs. Common examples include Microsoft Office, Apple iWork, and Intuit TurboTax. In most cases, files saved in the online version are compatible with the desktop version and vice versa. For example, if you save a .TAX2013 file in TurboTax Online, you can open and edit the file with the desktop version.
A web application is a computer program that utilizes web browsers and web technology to perform tasks over the Internet.
Millions of businesses use the Internet as a cost-effective communications channel. It lets them exchange information with their target market and make fast, secure transactions. However, effective engagement is only possible when the business is able to capture and store all the necessary data, and have a means of processing this information and presenting the results to the user.
Web applications use a combination of server-side scripts (PHP and ASP) to handle the storage and retrieval of the information, and client-side scripts (JavaScript and HTML) to present information to users. This allows users to interact with the company using online forms, content management systems, shopping carts and more. In addition, the applications allow employees to create documents, share information, collaborate on projects, and work on common documents regardless of location or device.
How a web application works
Web applications are usually coded in browser-supported language such as JavaScript and HTML as these languages rely on the browser to render the program executable. Some of the applications are dynamic, requiring server-side processing. Others are completely static with no processing required at the server.
The web application requires a web server to manage requests from the client, an application server to perform the tasks requested, and, sometimes, a database to store the information. Application server technology ranges from ASP.NET, ASP and ColdFusion, to PHP and JSP.
Here’s what a typical web application flow looks like:
User triggers a request to the web server over the Internet, either through a web browser or the application’s user interface Web server forwards this request to the appropriate web application server Web application server performs the requested task – such as querying the database or processing the data – then generates the results of the requested data Web application server sends results to the web server with the requested information or processed data Web server responds back to the client with the requested information that then appears on the user’s display.
Benefits of a web application
Web applications run on multiple platforms regardless of OS or device as long as the browser is compatible All users access the same version, eliminating any compatibility issues They are not installed on the hard drive, thus eliminating space limitations They reduce software piracy in subscription-based web applications (i.e. SaaS) They reduce costs for both the business and end user as there is less support and maintenance required by the business and lower requirements for the end user’s computer.
Increased Internet usage among companies and individuals has influenced the way businesses are run. This has led to the widespread adoption of web applications as companies shift from traditional models to cloud-based and grid models. Web applications give businesses the ability to streamline their operations, increase efficiency, and reduce costs.
These online apps such as email clients, word processors, spreadsheets, and other programs provide the same functionality as the desktop versions. However, they have an added advantage of working across multiple platforms, having a broader reach, and being easily accessible from anywhere.
Figure 1.8. A web application software is a software programme which is stored on the Server and accessed via a web browser (Chrome, Firefox, IE, Edge, Safari, etc.). A more technical definition – ‘A software programme which is developed using web technologies (HTML, CSS, JS, etc.) and accessed via a web browser is called a web application’.
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