Companies are often confused about whether to make web or mobile apps. Both types of applications have unique advantages and some disadvantages, too. You need to consider several factors to decide the best solution for your business.
In this web app vs mobile app comparison, we have examined various things that can help you choose the better option between them. We covered the differences between making these apps and explained how they can help you stay ahead in the business.
What is a web app?
All applications you can open via an internet browser are web apps. Unlike mobile apps, users do not need to download and install them. However, accessing them requires a stable internet connection.
They are fundamentally websites only built in a manner that looks good on a mobile web browser. They are interactive in nature and can be static or dynamic based on the business needs.
Web app development requires the use of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript technologies. The process of making them has some similarities and differences with the way of building mobile apps. We use many web apps daily, like Gmail, Amazon, Facebook, etc. are all such examples.
How does a web app work?
Their working process can be divided into five main stages as follows:
User interaction: The user accesses the web app interface to perform any action, such as clicking a button or entering text. This automatically triggers a request to the server.
Request sent: The browser on which the web app is running forwards this request to the web server where the application is hosted. The request mainly contains the user’s action and any relevant data,
Server processing: Once the web server receives the request, it forwards it to the appropriate application server. This is where the data is processed and necessary functions are executed. The system also retrieves the required information from a database if needed.
Response generated: The application server further generates the response based on the user’s request. This could include updated data, new content, or modifying the interface as per the user’s requests.
Response displayed: The response is sent back to the browser, where it is displayed to the user as the updated web page.
While the process is long, a well-built app takes less than a few seconds to complete all the stages. Most users can see the results of their actions in less than 3 to 5 seconds over the web application.
Advantages of making web apps
No installation required: Unlike traditional software and mobile apps, users don’t need to download and install a web app on their device as it runs directly in the browser.
Accessibility across devices: As long as the users have a web browser, they can access it from any device with good internet connectivity.
Server-side processing: The main logic and data manipulation happens on the remote server, not on the user’s device. This helps to save memory and data.
Cost-effective: They can be built using simple technologies in less time that help companies to save money. The web application costs are much less than mobile apps for building similar ideas.
Disadvantages of web apps
- They are slower than mobile apps. This makes them inferior in the Web App vs. Mobile App debate.
- They are also less secure than mobile apps.
What is a mobile app?
Mobile apps are software programs designed to run on mobile devices like smartphones or tablets. They can be platform specific and called native apps like iPhone apps or Android apps. They can also be built as cross-platform or hybrid apps that run on multiple OS with a single codebase.
Flutter or React Native can be used to build hybrid mobile apps. When making native mobile apps, you need to use technologies like Java or Kotlin for Android and Swift for iOS. Reading the native apps vs web apps vs hybrid apps can help you understand the differences between these three types of applications.
Unlike web apps, users need to download mobile apps to use them. You cannot download mobile apps on PCs or desktops. Various reasons make mobile app development an attractive option for companies. For example, they are fast and offer greater user experiences. We use many mobile apps daily like Uber, Instagram, etc.
How Does a Mobile Application Work?
Mobile apps can interact with the device’s operating system to access the phone’s hardware and services, such as the camera, GPS, and internet connection. The app uses this information to deliver exact function data according to the user’s interactions.
The working process of the mobile apps is as follows:
User Interface (UI): This is the visual part of the app that users interact with. It includes buttons, menus, and screens and is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly.
Operating System (OS): The mobile app communicates with the phone’s software, such as Android or iOS, to access the device’s hardware and features.
App Code: This includes the functions or set of instructions written in programming languages that define the app’s functionality. It determines how the mobile app will process data, interact with the device, and respond to user inputs.
Data Storage: These apps can store user data locally on the device or on a remote server so that users can access information even when offline.
Network Communication: Most apps require an internet connection to access online services, retrieve data, and sync information with servers. However, mobile apps also offer various offline features.
Advantages of making mobile apps
- Faster: Mobile apps respond more quickly to user inputs than web apps.
- Access device/system resources: They can access built-in hardware like cameras, GPS, motion sensors, etc.
- Offline functionality: They provide users with loads of functionality even under poor or no internet connection.
- More secure: They can leverage device-specific security features, which help ensure better encryption and strong authentication methods. You can also control access to sensitive information through permissions, which are not as readily available on a web browser alone.
Disadvantages of mobile apps
- Making mobile apps requires a bigger budget and more time than making web apps.
- Users need to download them to use them on the device.
Conclusion
In the web app vs mobile app debate, the ultimate winner depends upon the business needs. If you want to build a cost-effective solution and reach an audience on many devices, then a web app is a good choice.
However, if you want to launch an application with high performance, security, and user experiences, then opt for mobile app development.