Users today expect a smooth online experience. They stay longer on websites that are easy to use, interactive, and not just static. As of July 2023, the internet had 5.19 billion users, which is 64.6% of the world’s population.
With this, businesses and developers feel more pressure to create high-quality web applications. It can be hard to keep up when there are about 1.5 billion websites, and new tools for web development are constantly being released.
In this article, I will share the key information about platforms for web application development. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of how to start your own web app journey.
Web Application: All You Need To Know
A web application, or web app, is software you access through a web browser over the internet. It runs on a remote server. Web services are a type of web app, and many websites—though not all—have web apps. Web apps need an internet connection to work.
You can use a web app on a computer, mobile browser, smartphone, or tablet. Most web apps are responsive, meaning they adjust to fit the screen of your mobile device.
Some popular web apps include Netflix, Google Docs, Trello, Gmail, and Facebook. Online calculators and stores are also examples of web apps.
Web apps and websites are different. The main difference is that websites are static, while web apps are dynamic. Websites are made of content that users can read or view, while web apps let users interact with the content.
Types of Web Apps
Static Web App: Static web apps are the simplest, using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Examples are brochure websites, portfolios, and resume sites.
Dynamic Web App: These are more advanced, delivering real-time data. They show different information to each user. Examples include YouTube and Facebook.
E-commerce Web App: E-commerce web apps function like online stores. They manage payments, add or remove products, and more. Nike and Amazon are examples.
Single-page Web App: Single-page web apps are fast and responsive because they use little data. Gmail is an example.
Progressive Web App (PWA): PWAs work like mobile apps and can be installed. They run in a web browser and can work without an internet connection. Pinterest and Starbucks are examples.
Portal Web App: Portal web apps allow users to browse multiple pages or content without leaving the site. Examples are Coursera and Udemy.
Business Web App: These apps are created for business needs, such as CRM and ERP systems.
Why Are Web Apps Crucial for Your Business?
You probably recognize many popular web apps and may even use them daily. This shows how common web apps have become because they can be accessed anywhere. There are several reasons for their growing popularity:
- They are easy to maintain and update, with no need for space on your hard drive.
- You don’t need approval from app stores since web apps run in browsers.
- Web apps can be customized easily.
- They help streamline business operations by keeping data in one central place.
If you have a clear vision of the features and functions you need, the right web app platform and a skilled team of developers can turn your ideas into reality.
What Are Web App Development Platforms?
Web App Development Platforms are software that helps users and developers create web apps. These platforms provide development tools, drag-and-drop features, and no-code or low-code options to build responsive and progressive web apps.
There are five types of app development platforms: native app development platforms, cross-platform app development platforms, web-based app development, and server-side app development platforms.
Top 8 Platforms for Web Application Development
With so many web development tools available, it can be hard to know which one is best for your project or which programming language to use. Here is a list of the top eight web development platforms to help you decide.
Ruby on Rails
- Developer(s): David Heinemeier Hansson
- Type of Platform: Linux, Cross-platform
- Applications built using the platform: Airbnb, SoundCloud, Square, Shopify, Zendesk, GitHub
Ruby on Rails is an open-source web framework built on the Ruby programming language. It’s a full-stack framework with many pre-built features, such as connecting to databases, using templates, and managing routing. This makes it faster to launch web applications. Developers love Rails for making the process easier and more fun.
When to choose this platform:
- E-commerce sites
- Stock market platforms
- Social networking platforms
- Custom database management systems
Django
- Developer(s): Django Software Foundation
- Type of Platform: Cross-Platform
- Applications built using the platform: YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, Spotify, Dropbox
Django is a high-level web framework based on Python. It helps you build secure, maintainable, and fast websites. Django automates many tasks, so you don’t have to rewrite your app. It has a built-in admin interface, customizable features, and a supportive community.
When to choose this platform:
- Complex data models and databases
- Apps with large user bases or high traffic
- Apps requiring high security
- Cross-platform apps
Express.js
- Developer(s): TJ Holowaychuk, StrongLoop
- Type of Platform: Cross-Platform
- Applications built using the platform: Trello, MySpace, Ghost, Walmart, Uber, PayPal
Express.js is a minimalistic web framework for Node.js. It’s free, open-source, and helps speed up the development process. As part of the MEAN Stack, Express is popular for building dynamic websites and RESTful APIs.
When to choose this platform:
- Building RESTful APIs quickly
- Fast and simple web application development
Flask
- Developer(s): Armin Ronacher
- Type of Platform: Cross-Platform
- Applications built using the platform: Pinterest, Lima, Reddit, Twilio, Netflix’s Security Monkey
Flask is a lightweight web framework in Python. It’s known for its flexibility, allowing you to code only what you need. Flask is great for building dynamic websites, offering essential tools and seamless integration with libraries.
When to choose this platform:
- Small to medium-sized projects
- Flexible coding and control over the database
- Rapid prototyping, static sites, MVPs, or microservices
Vue.js
- Developer(s): Evan You
- Type of Platform: Cross-Platform
- Applications built using the platform: Alibaba, Adobe Portfolio, Behance, GitLab, Grammarly
Vue.js is an open-source JavaScript framework for building user interfaces. It’s ideal for creating clickable prototypes and supporting animations, graphics, and interactive components. Vue.js makes it easy to update the DOM with Vue data and build responsive apps.
When to choose this platform:
- Quick prototypes or MVPs
- Embedding web components on any page
- Single-Page Applications (SPAs)
- Gradually integrating modern frameworks without rewriting code
Laravel
- Developer(s): Taylor Otwell
- Platform: Linux, macOS, Windows
- Applications built using the platform: Flarum, October CMS, Canvas
Laravel is an open-source PHP framework used to create single-page web apps and enterprise-level applications. It offers tools for flexible migration, unit testing, templates, and task scheduling for daily tasks.
When to choose this platform:
- Real-time applications
- High-performance applications
- Speeding up application development
ReactJS
- Developer(s): Facebook
- Type of Platform: Cross-Platform
- Applications built using the platform: Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Netflix, Airbnb, Uber
ReactJS is an open-source JavaScript library for building modern, responsive web and mobile app interfaces. It allows developers to create reusable components and manage state changes efficiently using a virtual DOM.
When to choose this platform:
- Building highly responsive, SEO-friendly applications
- User interfaces that update regularly
- Fast and user-friendly Single-Page Applications (SPAs)
Angular
- Developer(s): Google
- Type of Platform: Cross-Platform
- Applications built using the platform: Lego, Netflix, Upwork
Angular is an open-source front-end framework for web apps, including Single-Page Apps (SPAs), Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), and enterprise apps. Angular allows developers to expand HTML and create dynamic web applications quickly.
When to choose this platform:
- Video streaming applications
- Single-page web apps
- Dynamic projects with responsive web design
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all platform. The best choice depends on your business needs and project goals. Other great platforms include Chrome Developer Tools, Spring Boot, and ASP.NET Core.
Outsource Web App Developers for the Best Results – Why Not?
Selecting the right tools for web app development is essential. It not only simplifies the tasks for front-end and back-end developers but also provides a robust foundation for your entire development process.
Another effective way to optimize your workflow is by outsourcing a skilled team of web app developers, such as the EZtek Software team. By leveraging the expertise of seasoned professionals, your business will stay ahead with high-quality, dynamic, and innovative web applications, ensuring you remain competitive in the market.