What is Web App?

You must have heard or read somewhere about Web App. It is very common for companies to request the development of a mobile application when they actually need a responsive website. Although the purpose is the same, there is a relevant technical difference. Read on to learn more about the Web App.

A Web App can be understood as a hybrid version between native mobile applications and websites. The Web App model combines features of internet browsers with some mobile features. To make this explanation clearer in the article, let's mention the differences between native apps, hybrid apps and Web Apps.

Understand about Responsive Website

The responsive website is the one that has the layout made to adapt to smartphones or tablets. When websites are viewed on these devices, the information remains the same, but changes position so that the user has a pleasant browsing experience, containing all the information they want.

Responsive website layout should adapt to any smartphone screen. The user needs to be able to view the complete content, without having to scroll the site from one side to another.

About the apps…

There are two categories of apps on the market: Native and Hybrid. The native app is the best known by all users. It is installed and stored directly on the smartphone and is usually found in download stores such as Play Store and App Store. These apps have access to all smartphone features.

These applications have the most user benefit. In most cases these applications also work offline and as they are offered by the stores where they are downloaded, they are guaranteed to be safe.

Hybrid, on the other hand, are applications that have very similar code for several different platforms. This means that the programmer writes only one code to work on Apple devices and Android devices. You only need to change some parts of the code that contain quirks to be able to access features such as localization.

Programmers claim that the main difference between hybrids and natives is that natives provide a better user experience because of the flow. In natives there is greater fluidity due to the resources available for use and because of the use of the specific language of each operating system.

web app

A Web App is a website on the internet that behaves like an application. It is accessed like any other website by the browser and has responsive behavior (layout adapted for smartphones), Facebook is an example. A website icon can be created on the smartphone's home screen so that the Web App can be accessed directly.

The Web App cannot use all smartphone functions, which makes some actions impossible. It doesn't take up space on the device's memory, but it only works if you have internet access. It is a great option if your goal is to have an online presence in the mobile world, as it is simple to program and adapts to different platforms.

To define a Web App, we can highlight the following definitions:

Progressive – Works for any user regardless of browser chosen as it is built with progressive enhancement as a core principle.

Responsive – Fits any format: desktop, mobile, tablet or whatever comes next.

Connectivity Independent – ​​Enhanced with service workers to work offline or on low quality networks.

App-like – Looks like apps to users, with app-style interactions and navigation as it is built into the app shell model.

Current – ​​Always up to date thanks to the service worker update process.

Secure – Provided via HTTPS to prevent intrusion and ensure content is not tampered with.

Discoverable – Can be identified as “application” thanks to W3C manifests and service worker registration scope, which allow search engines to find them.

Re-engaging – Makes re-engagement easier with features like push notifications.

Installable – Allows users to “save” the most useful apps on their home screens without having to go to an app store.

Linkable – Easily share via URL, no complex installation required.

Google and Facebook are successful cases that made mobile systems.

Here at Mios we develop web and mobile solutions focused on results for customers, thus strengthening your brand and bringing new creative and innovative solutions that can add value and improve your expectations.

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