Web Application vs Website
The advent of the internet spurred the dispensation of information. It was revolutionary; way more massive than the Gutenberg press. It changed the way we would access the information, from tangible papers to a new paradigm that the future will pursue – websites.
The main purpose of the website was to provide information which later one evolved for the marketing. Websites during this classic HTML era were just static pages with content and media that anyone could access by visiting the URL address. The reason these websites are called static is that the content remains the same each and every time a visitor accesses it. And any changes in the page could be made by adding the content in the HTML.
On the contrary modern websites use more than just HTML. Languages like CSS and JavaScript are prominently used and even there is a heaven-high and hell-deep of difference in
What is a Web Application?
Traditionally software was installed on personal computers. But the proliferating reach of internet and perks of web technology bred a new concept of catering software. These software are called web applications.
The term “Web Application” itself makes the things clear – it is just like any other software or mobile application which catered over the internet and used in the browser. But unlike websites, they provide more functionalities and features. We everyday use numerous web applications such as Gmail, Google Drive, Facebook, LinkedIn, Trello, Slack, etc.
A web application can be as simple as a calculator but can also get as complex as data analytic software like Google Analytics. Some of the core benefits that have made web applications so popular are:
- No installationWeb apps run in a browser; no need of installing to the device.
- Can run across different OS Device segregated in different OS systems is a barrier for the software. Web application solves this issue.
- Accessibility Web Applications can be accessed from any device from anywhere.
What Makes Web Application Different from Website?
1. User Interaction
The websites are on the internet to provide information, there is no or minimal user interaction like subscribing to the mailing list. However, when it comes to web application the core intention is user input and interaction.
Here, take a look at the website and the car configurator web application of Rezvani, an LA-based automobile manufacturer. Their website showcases the different models of cars with the specification. While the
2. Web Apps are Utilitarian
Web Applications are made to provide utility or solve an issue. Name it, whether it be communication platforms like Skype, Slack and Gmail or job marketplaces like Upwork, Freelancer or Fiverr and even broadcasting and streaming services like YouTube, Vimeo or Spotify. All these serve a purpose and provide utility such as communication, interaction and entertainment.
3. Web Apps are more than HTML
Unlike websites, web applications are more than just an HTML page; they are quite complex and feature-rich. A web application will have a backend, a business logic, database, authentication and more.
A restaurant’s website can be the best epitome here. If it caters basic functionalities like providing you with the restaurant menu, discounts and offers for a special occasion, a picture gallery of its range of mojitos (with a small umbrella in it) or directions to the restaurant – it is a website.However, if it also provides additional features like ordering the food, customizing your order, make an online payment, tracking the delivery, etc. all these make it a web application.
