A brief manual on making a web app

Today web apps have earned a pivotal role in the lives of people. They power a wide range of sites, apps, platforms, and software and systems, ranging from social media platforms and online marketplaces to productivity tools.

Whether the app markers are professionals, budding entrepreneurs, aspiring techpreneurs or established companies looking to create the next big thing, they should know that making a web app is an exciting and rewarding endeavor.

A web app – what is it?

A web app is an application that works in a web browser and uses web technologies like CSS, HTML, and JavaScript to provide a user interface (UI) and interact with server-side components. They are different from native mobile apps as they require installation and running from mobile devices. 

Web apps can be accessed from any device through a web browser. This makes them both accessible and convenient for many users. There are several types of web apps and they are as under:

• Static.
• Dynamic.
• Single-page apps (SPAs).
• Progressive web apps (PWAs).

Static web apps are simple and static. They comprise static web pages displaying the same content for all users. Dynamic web apps are different. They consist of server-side components which generate dynamic content based on users’ data and input.

Single-page apps (SPAs) load an individual HTML page and dynamically update the content based on users’ interactions. They do not need a complete page refresh for content updates. Progressive web apps (PWAs) are advanced web apps. They use modern web APIs to provide the feel of a native app, such as offline support, push notifications, and installation of home screens.

Creating a web app in ten easy steps

Web apps offer numerous advantages over native apps. Among them are:

• Robust cross-platform compatibility.
• Easy maintenance.
• Easy updates.
• Reduced costs of developments.

Some popular examples of web apps that users are utilizing daily are Asana, Google Docs, and Trello. Now that a clear understanding is achieved about how web apps are different from mobile apps, and their variety too; let us now briefly explore the steps involved in making a web app as determined by professionals of mobile app development company in Dubai:

• Identifying the problem and the audience.
• Defining the features and requirements.
• Sketching out both the user interface and experience.
• Selecting the correct programming language and framework.
• Setting up the development environment and tools.
• Front-end design and interface development.
• Developing Back-end logic and server-end components.
• Testing the web app for performance, functionality, and security.
• Web app deployment to a hosting service plus server and database configuration.
• Web app launch plus monitoring user feedback and engagement.

Let us now explore each step in brief detail. These steps can help aspiring professionals and business owners create a worthwhile web app.

Identifying the problem and the audience

The first step in making a successful web app is identifying the problem the app can solve. The benefits the target audience will get will also be explained. What problem does the app solve? Who’s the audience? Pain Points? Needs? How the app will help? When these questions are answered, the project’s scope and requirements plus features and functionalities to be added, will be decided.

Defining the features and requirements

Defining the features and requirements is a critical step in making a successful web app. It helps ensure the app fulfills the audience’s needs and is able to provide a captivating user experience. This includes both the essential and additional features. The former solves the problem while the latter consists of additional features amplifying the user experience.

Sketching out both the user interface (UI) and experience (UX)

Sketching the UI and UX involves the creation of wireframes and mockups of the app’s layout, navigation, and visual elements. These visual elements need testing with potential users to gather feedback and improve the design.

Selecting the correct programming language and framework

This decision depends on a wide array of factors. The app’s complexity, requirements for scalability plus availability of skilled developers are the key deciding factors.

Setting up the development environment and tools

A successful web app requires a proper development environment and the correct tools. It means the necessary tools and software should be installed to test and later deploy the app.

Front-end design and interface development

It involves the creation of visual elements, layout, and interactive nature of the UI. CSS, HTML, and JavaScript are used.