How to Create a Web Application: In-Depth Guide Development Process

In this fast-changing digital landscape, demand for web application development is increasing at a remarkable pace. Users now require more engaging and smooth user experience, and businesses seek for solutions to build web apps that use advanced technologies to win over their customers. 

Because web app development has grown popular these days, creating one is less challenging than it used to be. The key here is to understand its concept, tech stacks, and target market so that you may make the proper selections to design a web app with vital features.

This article will cover everything you – as a business owner – should know about the web application development process, its types, benefits, and how to optimize the expenses you will incur. Keep reading to get the most out of your future web app for business purposes!

What is web app development?

Web application development involves the creation, testing, and provision of a web-based application. A web application is an interactive program that can be accessed via a web browser and operates on a web server. It doesn’t require any downloads or installations on your device.

There are two main sections to web application programming: server-side and client-side. The server-side is responsible for storing and retrieving data, while the client-side presents it to end-users on the frontend. Web apps are cheaper and faster to create compared to mobile apps. However, they do have limitations, such as being unable to access native device functionalities.

Types of web apps

Here are 9 types of web applications, along with their characteristics and uses in industries. From the web application categories, choose the one that best meets your business requirements.

Type	Definition	Benefits
Static Web Apps	Static web apps are pre-built files that are stored on a web server. They have a simple structure and provide little flexibility. Examples: Publii, Siteleaf	Work great in offline mode No need to install third-party software to access
Dynamic Web Apps	Dynamic web apps deliver live data upon request of the user. Examples: Facebook, Netflix	Directly manage the website to edit and update the information Simple user management to safeguard your server and manage all website users
Single Page Apps	This dynamic web application operates in the web browser as a single unit and does not require browser reloads. Examples: Gmail, PayPal	Enable improved navigation and routing experience Utilize presentation logic to keep the web application’s visual structure constant
Multiple Page Apps	These apps feature many pages that must be loaded anytime a user clicks on a link. Examples: eBay, Amazon	Enable search engine optimization for each page Allow visitors to browse various pages with a mouse click
Animated Web Apps	These programs allow you to display content with animation effects. Examples: Anime.js, GreenSock	Captivate audiences with its distinctive look and alluring strategy for a protracted period of time Different pixel densities and viewing distances, as well as aspect ratios, portrait and landscape orientations, are taken into account
Content Management System	CMS web application development entails creating apps that allow people to manage, produce, and alter content without any technical knowledge. Examples: WordPress, Wix	Easily organizes webpage content Provide user and group functionality Obtain group and user functionality Simple language integration and support
E-commerce Apps	These apps directly promote your products and services and allow users to buy, pay, leave a review, view their order history, etc. Examples: AliExpress, Walmart	Allow enterprises to sell goods through a single platform Expand your business globally by reaching the largest possible audience
Portal Web Apps	Web portals are web-based solutions that gather information from various sources into a single user interface. Examples: Grants.gov	Information and records are centralized Easily search for and approve the permission based on your preferences Manage your courses and other educational resources from your portal account
Progressive Web Apps	Progressive web apps, often known as cross-platform apps, include mobile app-like features. Examples: Pinterest, Starbucks	Responsive and support browser compatibility Simple to use in both online and offline modes Update itself without any user interaction

Web app vs. website vs. mobile app

Web app vs Website

What distinguishes a web app from a traditional website?

The main goal of a website is to display information. It is navigable and contains visual and textual content that end users may see and read but not alter. Users can access websites through a browser on a variety of devices.

Additionally, authentication is not required for informational websites. The user may be prompted to register to access extra options not available to unregistered website users. For example, you can browse the news and feature items on a news website without registering. To comment on posts, however, you must first log in. This way, users prove their identity, allowing the system to block spammers.

Web apps, on the other hand, are intended for user interaction. Web application users can access the app’s content and manipulate the data. An online banking application that performs transactions depending on a customer’s input is an example of a web application.

Web apps are highly flexible and provide a wide range of capabilities. Furthermore, for security reasons, they demand authentication. Hence, web apps demand a skilled team of web application developers and are reportedly more challenging to create.

Web app vs Mobile app

Mobile apps are developed for a specific platform, such as iOS or Android. They are downloaded or installed through an app store and can access system resources like GPS and the camera function. Snapchat, Instagram and Google Maps are popular examples of mobile apps.

On the other hand, web apps are accessed via an internet browser and will adapt to whichever platform or device you are viewing them on. They are not required to be installed or downloaded. Web apps require continuous access to the internet to function, whereas mobile apps may operate without one.

Advantages of web app development

Web app development provides numerous benefits to businesses and enterprises, the most important of which are listed below:

1. Cost-effective

Determining the exact cost of developing a web app may not be feasible, but it is certainly more cost-effective than building a mobile app. The reason is that less time and effort goes into development, as only one version of the software is needed to serve all operating systems. Hence, if you are working with a limited budget but still want to incorporate cutting-edge software into your business model, web app development is the way to go.

2. Always up-to-date

Web apps do not need to be updated as frequently as regular apps. The application’s website/URL is updated to the most recent version. And, because everyone gets access to the same version of the web application via the same URL, all users are always using the most up-to-date version.

3. No need to be downloaded

Users can interact with the app directly using a web browser. These apps do not need to be downloaded or installed from platforms like Apple’s App Store or Google’s Play Store. This also saves money because there are no charges associated with having direct access through a web app.

Plus, web apps can be accessed through many browsers and run on various web app development platforms such as laptops, desktops, and mobile devices.

An in-depth guide for web application development

The web application development process covers several stages, from concept inception through deployment. Let’s get started and look at how to create a web app in seven steps.

1. Generate and validate your idea

The process of developing a web app, like any new digital solution, begins with an idea about the type of application you want to construct.

The appropriate idea will streamline the process of building a web app efficiently. However, for some, coming up with an idea is the most difficult part.

Every industry has a fierce rivalry, making it challenging to come up with a distinctive idea.

The four methods listed below can help you validate your idea faster:

• Begin by conducting research on the intended audience.
• Consider an idea that truly answers the problem of your potential customer.
• Contact persons in the business niche and discuss the difficulties they are facing.
• Examine the social media pages of various firms to obtain important information.

2. Research market and identify your target

Conducting comprehensive market research and deeply understanding your target audience is essential when designing a web application. This enables you to identify key stakeholders and customer interactions with brands, among other critical topics.

When commencing market research on your product, you have two scenarios. If a similar product is already available on the market, investigate it extensively. Scrutinize its specific features, functionalities, and customer expectations. Identify any flaws and consider ways to enhance the quality of your solution.

The second scenario is that there is still a gap in the market. If potential customers are still having problems despite the market’s presence, taking advantage of the opportunity before your competitors do is vital. Therefore, conducting in-depth market research and staying ahead of the competition is crucial.

3. Define the core features

Now, you can start to make a list of the essential functions for your web app. However, it’s recommended to only include features that you think your users will find helpful. You should understand the underlying problems and offer solutions, including server and client-side features. Pay attention to the user interface, as it will determine how users interact with your web app.

Keep in mind that adding features may increase development time and cost, so it’s better to focus on simple capabilities in the early stages of development.

4. Hire a web app development company

Hiring a reputable web application development company is the solution to creating a web application with the latest features and functionalities. These companies have a team of experts, including project managers, UI/UX designers, web application developers, and industry specialists who work closely with you to bring your vision to life. They also offer access to the latest technology and industry experience.

When selecting a web development company, be sure to consider the following factors:

1. How well the software development company understands your needs and requirements.
2. Look for a company with a communication and collaboration style that suits your preferences.
3. Check the company’s primary competencies and expertise on platforms like Upwork and Clutch.

5. Choose the UI/UX design

User experience (UX) refers to how users interact with the app and how to solve problems that the app was designed for. On the other hand, user interface (UI) refers to how the mobile app presents itself to the user.

The key to making your web app attractive to users is the ability to control its features easily and intuitively. If users cannot use the app in real life, then the app’s features are not worth it. This will frustrate users, and they will switch to another app. The best combination of functionality and aesthetics determines the app’s overall effectiveness.

A well-thought-out UX design is more than just having the app appear nice; it’s about producing an application that’s easy and pleasurable to use, satisfying the needs and expectations of the users.

• Navigation – Moving from one page to another
• Branding – How your brand will appear
• Forms – Login and sign up
• Buttons – How the button and its text will look
• Other interactive components

6. Develop your MVP

Once the design is completed, you will move to the stage of selecting the right technologies, especially the server-side programming language, which is vital at this point. 

For your project to be successful, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the fundamental architecture of web applications. You should also carefully evaluate which web application framework and the necessary server-side frameworks and technologies will meet your project’s requirements and help achieve your desired functionality.

Some of the top web app frameworks for building web apps are Angular, Django, and Vue.js, each with its own approach to server-side or back-end development features. These web application frameworks will assist you in developing a web app that runs smoothly and has a solid server-side structure to ensure dependability and performance.

7. Test and validate your web app

The web app’s functionality and features will determine the testing methodologies used. Factors such as how the app behaves and operates in a web browser will also be taken into consideration.

• UI/UX testing – This type of testing is used to examine several components of software with which customers may interact.
• Functionality testing – This type of black-box testing is used to verify whether a web application fits the requirements.
• Regression testing – Every change to a website is examined to see if it disrupts the general flow of the website during regression testing.
• Compatibility testing- Using an operating system, an application, mobile devices, and a network environment, quality analysts test your software’s functioning in this form of testing.

Following the successful development and testing stages, the MVP version of the web app will be evaluated by tech leads to ensure that all features have been perfectly integrated.

8. Deploy the web app

Confirming your MVP’s readiness is just the beginning of a successful launch. Launching the final version of your web app on a reliable app server is crucial. It’s important to test your MVP thoroughly before releasing it to the market to ensure that product managers create the best possible final product.

Keep in mind that if your idea attracts users, you can approach investors to fund your entire project. Choosing the right app server and hosting provider is vital to ensure that your web app runs smoothly and is accessible to users. Don’t overlook this aspect if you want to achieve success.

Costs of web application development 

Estimating the cost of developing a web application is a crucial task that requires careful consideration. The development cost of a basic web app can vary between $5,000 to $250,000+.

However, it is possible to make an approximate estimate by determining the type of application being developed. Web applications are broadly classified into three categories based on their complexity.

App complexity	Development time	Estimated cost
Single web app	Less than 2 months	$5,000 – 15,000
Medium web app	Average 3 – 4 months	$15,000 – $60,000
Complex web app	Over 4 months	$60,000 – $250,000+

Tips to reduce web app development cost

Assuming that you have met all the project requirements and cost concerns are no longer an issue, what can you do if the price of the web application remains too high?

To reduce development costs while still working with a quality team and keeping expenses in check, consider these methods:

• Start with an MVP

Building an MVP (minimum viable product) will enable you to launch the product with sufficient capabilities for initial users without investing a significant amount of money. You make improvements (if necessary) and move to costly implementations based on client feedback.

• Include your IT provider in the analysis and product design phase

As the product owner, you will work with a team of experts who carefully assess your company’s needs and goals, clarify the product requirements, and create a transparent implementation plan. Completing this phase will enable you to organize all project-related information and provide you with an accurate estimate of the web application development cost. 

• Consider third-party services

Third-party tools can help you save money on web app development while adding more value to your product. For example, suppose you’ve decided to create an app that involves financial transactions. Payment gateway APIs such as PayPal, Stripe, and Google Pay can be integrated for this purpose. This method works with many other features (map, CMS system, chat, etc). You can either add third parties to your app immediately or adapt them to match your website design.

Conclusion

Now that you have grasped all the crucial information about web application development, time to turn your idea into reality. 

Developing a web application requires certain steps, but following this guide can help streamline the process and ensure success. Remember to consider all aspects of the application, from design and development to testing and deployment. You need to prioritize user experience, security, and scalability to create a web application that is both functional and user-friendly. With the right team and approach, you can create a web application that meets the needs of your users and helps your business succeed.