In today’s fast-paced digital era, custom web application development has become fundamental for businesses seeking an edge. However, the world of custom web applications can be intricate and overwhelming, especially if you’re just stepping into it. This guide simplifies the concept and breaks down the differences between custom web apps and websites, the variety of web applications you could consider, and the technology stacks involved.
We’ll dig into the complexities of web applications, explore backend and frontend frameworks, and discuss hosting solutions. We will also cover post-development considerations, costs, the development process flow, and how to synchronize web and mobile app development. By the end of this guiding article, you’ll be well-equipped with the knowledge and understanding you need to leverage custom web application development to its fullest potential in 2023.
What Are Custom Web Applications?
Custom web apps are tailored software solutions for a specific company or purpose. They can offer budget-friendly solutions to problems, which becomes ideal for small businesses. Generally speaking, these custom web applications are created by skilled programmers who excel at crafting unique software and have honed their skills in particular programming languages, frameworks, and operating systems needed for various businesses.
Reliable developers can guide business owners on the most suitable solutions. In selecting a custom web app development firm, ensure they possess experience with businesses similar to yours and understand your field. A competent developer should maintain an open line of communication with you throughout the project, updating you on its progression.
What’s the Difference Between a Website vs. a Web App?
Websites
A website, anchored by a domain name, is an interconnected collection of web pages featuring diverse content like text, audio, video, and documents. While traditional websites offer static visual and text content, modern advancements enable the creation of dynamic, app-like news websites with interactivity beyond static pages. Dynamic websites employ modern design tools, CSS, JavaScript, databases, and advanced programming for backend user interaction. They can tailor content based on factors like time or location. Regardless of the website type, populating it with high-quality content is crucial to attract and retain visitors.
Web Apps
On the other hand, web applications are browser-accessed software that doesn’t require downloading, unlike mobile or desktop applications. They are developed using languages and technologies similar to those used for website creation but involve more complexity due to data storage and manipulation needs. Common examples include web portals for various tasks, such as expense tracking, class registration, advertisement creation, file scanning and conversion, and more.
These kinds of tasks mostly involve server-side processing, rendering the apps dynamic. Businesses planning to develop a web app must offer a valuable service to users. Otherwise, it won’t be utilized. The scalability, independence from app store approval, support for modern browsers, and cross-platform compatibility make web apps a favored choice for businesses.
Essential Differences
- Websites primarily act as a source of information where users or visitors can view, read, or listen to content without interacting or manipulating it.
- Web applications, however, engage users through interactive content and provide services like data manipulation, often seen in forms and other interactive elements.
- Websites, though increasingly interactive due to modern web development standards, are relatively simple to build, essentially being collections of static web pages.
- Web applications, in contrast, are more complex due to backend services, user-level variations, data processing capabilities, and advanced security measures.
- Websites are often available to the general public. Both registered, and unregistered users are provided with the same quality of user experience.
- Web apps usually require user registration and authentication. They offer customized services based on individual user needs, including banking apps that provide a unique experience for each user based on their personal banking information.
Types Of Custom Web Applications To Consider
Web apps can greatly benefit businesses. They can boost growth, simplify tasks, and enhance organization. Let’s explore various custom web apps your business might benefit from.
E-Commerce Applications
A digital store can simplify shopping for your customers if you run a business selling goods. Online shopping is growing rapidly, becoming an essential part of everyday life.
Adding e-commerce capability to your existing website is straightforward. With most online shoppers using mobile devices, e-commerce tools can help improve customer interaction and boost sales. A well-designed, online shopping custom web application with easy-to-use navigation, detailed product images and information, and a user-friendly shopping cart encourages customers to make a purchase, particularly when they’re on the move.
Although pre-made software solutions exist, they’re often basic and limited. Developers can build tailor-made e-commerce tools capable of handling complex tasks like intricate sales or return policies or managing multiple warehouses. This custom software can be developed from scratch, or current e-commerce platforms can be adjusted to suit your unique business needs.
Portal Web Applications
Custom web apps frequently use online portals due to their versatility. Businesses often use them internally and offer employees a self-service platform for work-related and administrative information. Apart from that, clients, customers, and patients can also access info using these portals. Sometimes, they serve both employees and customers. These portals often feature email, search engines, chats, and forums while requiring registration for access.
It alludes to a practical solution for businesses requiring strict control over user access to specific content. They can also easily limit certain functionalities. Portals are used in educational institutions, online banking, insurance, healthcare, and corporate sectors.
For businesses offering services like coaching or courses, portals through custom web application development solutions are a more efficient way to manage tasks than handling numerous emails and attachments. A portal lets clients see and complete action items at their own pace. It also simplifies discussions on individual tasks and quickly shows completed items.
CMS Web Applications
A Content Management System (CMS) web app allows small businesses to add and update content on their site effortlessly. It eliminates the need for advanced web development skills. Today, simple, few-paged websites don’t cut it. Regularly uploading blog posts, images, videos, reports, and white papers helps your site stay competitive and noticeable to search engines.
CMS custom web apps are user-friendly and cost-effective, perfect for firms looking to keep their website current without technical know-how. A CMS is a smart option if your business involves multiple users modifying content and requires tracking of these changes.
Animated Web Applications
Companies use animated tools through custom web app development to grab user interest and underscore key points. Some, such as GIFs, might be non-interactive, while others can be.
These dynamic web tools pave the way for innovative designs fitting for creative directors and designers. However, the tech used isn’t seen as the best for search engine optimization.
Web Application Technology Stacks
Web application tech stacks are the software tools, frameworks, and libraries web developers use to create custom web apps and websites. The tools are frequently packaged into multipurpose libraries, known as “bundlers,” for use in various projects.
The following are the most common web application technology stacks:
- PHP, or PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor, is a scripting language primarily used for web development. It can be embedded into HTML or JavaScript code or in separate files.
- Python is a versatile programming language utilized in web development. It supports various programming styles and has a clear syntax. Python’s extensive standard library includes modules for common tasks like database connection and email sending.
- Ruby on Rails, called RoR, is a web framework written in Ruby. It offers default structures for handling HTTP requests, HTML templating, and caching responses. Ultimately, it makes this framework a comprehensive full-stack solution.
- The LAMP Stack, which stands for Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP, is a popular choice for high-traffic websites. It is known for its scalability and stability. Many WordPress sites and large-scale CMS platforms like Drupal and Joomla utilize this technology stack.
Simple vs. Complex Custom Web Applications
Small businesses benefit from simple web apps that help manage content or promote products online. At the same time, larger firms or corporations often use complex, custom web apps to meet their expanding integration needs or for scalable software solutions.
What differentiates a simple web app from a complex one?
Take a static web app, for instance. It’s a simple web app with limited content and flexibility, perfect for showcasing professional portfolios or digital resumes. Nevertheless, developers or web administrators usually have to step in to alter these apps.
Dynamic web apps are more complex. They use databases to present data and generally come with a control panel (CMS) for management. Various programming languages can be used to create these, making content updates easy and facilitating features like discussion forums.
To categorize a web app as simple or complex, one must assess the user functionality needs (for both internal and external users), the current and future potential for integration and APIs, the scalability requirements in line with the company’s growth, and the range of browsers and devices on which the software will operate. Let’s explore them one by one.
User Functionality Requirements
When creating a bespoke web application, you must consider user-oriented features. Suppose the app is intended for internal use. In that case, factors like user roles, access rights, file transfer, client interaction, and task organization should be factored in.
Generally, software or tools through custom web application development become intricate when designed for internal and external usage. Complex features might enable customers to set up profiles for order tracking or allow users to book or modify appointments online.
For intricate web apps that let external users make profiles and save private data, developers need extra precautions. They must ensure their data is safe while preventing external users from accessing sensitive app parts, such as payment details or login credentials.
Integration & API Capabilities
The main difference between basic and advanced web apps is their ability to connect with other software and APIs from different databases or sites. An integration lets two apps interact, while an API, or “Application Programming Interface,” creates a real connection between them.
Basic web apps can work with Google Fonts, Mailchimp, and Shopify, among others. Advanced web apps can link with customer management systems or business/client online portals.
Application Scalability
The ability of a custom web application to scale impacts its complexity or simplicity. An app’s scalability becomes crucial as IT structures and user request increases. Suppose businesses opt for apps that can’t scale. Then they might encounter issues, including limits on the application server, wrong server settings, ineffective caching, slow or bad database searches, complex database designs, and insufficient memory and processor power.
Small firms with basic internal process requirements and no user growth plans find simple apps fitting. However, before deciding how much an app needs to scale, organizations should consider their growth trajectory and existing information technology setup. It includes but is not limited to the age of their software and the requirement for data sharing across departments.
Browser Versions & Devices
Coders must identify which devices, versions, and web browsers their custom web apps should operate on. Many browsers are available, but most people prefer a few popular ones.
In 2020, Google Chrome, Apple Safari, and Mozilla Firefox were the most used browsers. Backed by Google’s immense influence, Chrome is known for being user-friendly. Firefox, on the other hand, is popular for its speed and efficiency. Safari, the default browser on Apple devices, has a wide user base. So, their support is essential, covering a large user population.
Although, it is still necessary to keep an eye on shifting trends in browser use. For instance, Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, once a top choice, has lost its appeal since Microsoft no longer supports Internet Explorer Version 10. And making new custom web applications compatible isn’t advisable.
Web app coders can guide you on the best browsers and devices to prioritize. Some browsers work only on specific operating systems. Coders can verify that your app delivers a seamless user experience across the most prevalent browsers and devices your audience will use.
Back-End Frameworks, Front-End Frameworks & Hosting Solutions
Choosing the right web application frameworks and hosting services is key in custom web application development. Numerous options exist to meet the specific demands of each app.
Web app frameworks simplify custom web development and provide the groundwork for the app. They mainly fall into two groups: front-end and back-end frameworks.
- On the one hand, back-end development happens out of sight. Developers use assorted web services, APIs, and libraries to establish databases, craft back-end features, and facilitate communication between various web services.
- On the other hand, front-end development targets the user interface. Front-end developers utilize tools like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to ensure a positive user experience and maintain the app’s design and layout consistency.
Back-End Frameworks
Selecting the right back-end for a custom web application is crucial as it powers the application. Fortunately, there are numerous reliable options available. Let’s explore today’s top back-end frameworks used in custom web application development.
Django
Django is a user-friendly, high-level MVT framework enabling swift and efficient custom web app development with less coding. Its high adaptability and scalability are perfect for larger, complex projects. Django’s notable features include robust security measures such as user authentication and protections against various web attacks. Its decoupling feature also allows users to select only required functionalities while enhancing code efficiency and performance.
Laravel
Laravel is a PHP-based backend framework featuring an MVC architecture, its database migration system, and a command-line interface called the Artisan Console. It simplifies routine web project tasks without compromising functionality, boasting an elegant syntax, extensive documentation, and a feature-rich toolkit. Laravel’s robust ecosystem is known for accommodating large teams. Plus, its strong community support is highly regarded.
Ruby on Rails
As mentioned in one of the previous sections, Ruby on Rails (ROR) is a web app framework leveraging the Ruby language. It offers an environment perfect for developing and managing smaller projects. Like Django in design and philosophy, it’s known for readability and expressiveness, making it easy to learn, especially for those familiar with other programming languages. Developers prefer Rails for its efficiency, reduced code writing, easy testing, and abundant resources. It has extensive community support and a vast library of plug-ins.
Front-End Frameworks
Front-end frameworks are essential for software development and greatly impact user experience. Developers must prioritize a seamless user experience in custom web apps by utilizing the right front-end framework. Responsiveness and mobile-friendliness ensure smooth functionality across different devices and screen sizes. While various front-end frameworks have their strengths, certain options are more suitable for specific types of custom web applications.
Angular
Conceived by Google, Angular aims to reconcile contemporary technological requirements with proven concepts. It is a versatile framework ideal for web, mobile, multi-page, and progressive web applications. Despite a steeper learning curve, Angular is cherished for its two-way data binding, code minimization capabilities, and strong supportive community.
React
React is a user-friendly yet sophisticated framework conceived at Facebook to tackle code maintainability issues amid constant feature updates. As an open-source tool, React is recognized for its extensive functionalities for high-traffic web apps seeking a robust platform.
Vue.js
Vue.js is currently a top choice in front-end frameworks, valued for its simplicity and directness. Offering two-way binding, visual DOM (Document Object Model), and component-based benefits, Vue.js effortlessly manages both simple and dynamic processes. It caters to web, mobile, and progressive web apps. Furthermore, it enjoys increasing popularity thanks to its straightforward syntax, TypeScript support, advanced dev tools, and reusable components. Vue.js is often the preferred choice for single-page applications.
Hosting Solutions
Take a look at some of the most popular options for hosting custom web apps.
AWS
Amazon’s Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) platform provides various deployment, analytics, management, and database services. Its flexible service, AWS Elastic Compute Cloud, is ideal for large-scale projects; it enables infrastructure creation before deployment and supports templates and multiple configurations. The platform is scalable, user-friendly, and ensures simple server creation. But the complicated billing system and EC2 limits could be a downside.
Google Cloud
Google Cloud offers a wide selection of application hosting choices with intricate control over usage and settings. Its user-friendly interface and automated pricing model are added advantages. Despite its flexible pricing and innovative cloud computing capabilities, it may fall short in supporting enterprise-level projects, and its reliability can be doubtful.
Heroku
Heroku, a container-based Platform as a Service (PaaS) solution, allows developers to deploy, manage, and scale applications in the cloud. It offers numerous add-ons, from security to notifications, making it user-friendly and an excellent option for beginners. Yet, the absence of static IP addresses and higher costs compared to AWS and Google Cloud are its cons.
Code Capsules
Code Capsules offers a platform for hosting custom web applications that help you build, manage, and scale your apps with ease. Its advanced platform and developer-oriented support provide reliable solutions for web apps. The platform offers a seamless deployment process, equipping developers with essential tools and resources to build and manage innovative applications. It’s worth noting that some users have reported occasional performance issues during peak usage periods. But for those seeking a dependable and efficient hosting option, Code Capsules serves as a compelling choice.
Which Solutions Should I Consider For My Custom Web Application?
Choosing the right framework and hosting solution, with many available options, can be challenging. However, Appstrax’s professionals in product strategy are here to help! They’ll assist you in selecting the best solutions for your organization and guide you through your custom web application development. So, trust them to make the process easier for you.
What To Consider After The Development Of A Custom Web Application?
After custom web application development, ensure smooth operation and protect it from potential cyber threats. Key aspects to consider are version control and bug management.
Version Control
Version control allows developers to track and manage application code changes effectively. Without it, developers might work on different code versions. It leads to confusion and time wastage on obsolete code. When choosing a version control system, consider cross-platform support, command line interface functionality, and its ability to handle varying-size projects. Some popular systems include Git, CVS, and SVN, each with advantages and limitations.
Bug Management
Managing bugs and issues effectively is required for the application’s smooth functioning and security. A systematic approach, known as the defect management process, helps identify, categorize, fix, verify, and report application bugs. The process ensures that users can continue using the application’s features without interruptions and safeguards the company’s and users’ information from potential data breaches and cyberattacks.
To avoid downtime and security issues, continue working with the original software development company for their testing and quality assurance services. Their familiarity with the code and architecture of the application often allows for more efficient bug identification and resolution.
Cost of Web Application Development
The cost to create web apps is influenced by various factors: the project’s scope, complexity, the location of your developers, and the chosen tech stack. The price range for web application development varies significantly, starting from $3,000 for a basic web app with limited features, and can go beyond $100,000 for a custom web application development for an enterprise.
The point to understand is that simpler web applications are more cost-effective than complex ones. Web applications with uncomplicated user interfaces, minimal data processing requirements, and no need for third-party integrations are relatively less expensive to develop. On the other hand, applications that experience high user traffic, possess intricate user interfaces, and require integration with external systems incur higher development costs.
Custom Web App Development Process Flow
The custom web app development cycle follows the SDLC model with key stages, which, if missed, can lead to unexpected outcomes. Quality and productivity are maintained by being detail-oriented and adhering to set regulations. The development cycle includes requirements outline, time and budget estimation, design and conception, coding, testing, deployment, and post-production. Each stage interrelates and demands effort, time, workforce, and cost.
- The initial step is requirements analysis, where the organization identifies the final objectives and required documentation. It paves the way for categorizing tasks, assessing their complexity, and calculating expected time and cost.
- The conception stage, the second step, provides the development guide and design specifics of the custom web application. Essentially, this step organizes tasks and highlights their dependency before actual development begins.
- Testing generally happens alongside development to minimize bugs and prepare the product for user acceptance. Deployment is often considered to be the final stage before the application is made available to the general public.
- Post-production is crucial. It involves continuous maintenance and support to enhance user experience. Besides that, it necessitates understanding application behavior, analyzing user feedback, and working on updates.
The most successful custom web application projects use continuous software development lifecycle models like Agile. These kinds of methodologies prioritize incremental completion of each stage and enable firms to deliver productive solutions tailored to user needs.
Agile supports new solutions through flexible iterations and demands only initial planning while allowing for experience-based adjustments. It’s suitable for both new and ongoing projects. Alternatively, the Waterfall methodology can be used for smaller, well-defined projects where stages are sequentially executed. However, keep in mind that given the complexity of custom web application development, Agile methodology is often preferred.
Benefits of Custom Web Application Development
While the Apple App Store & Google Play Store boast an impressive collection of apps and downloads, native mobile apps may not always be the optimal choice for businesses. Although iOS and Android apps offer access to billions of users and the opportunity to utilize device functionality, you should not disregard progressive custom web applications as a viable alternative. Meanwhile, here are some significant advantages to consider.
Adaptable Software Solutions
One notable advantage of custom web application development over native apps is scalability. Custom web apps can be molded and reshaped as your business evolves to fit your current requirements without creating separate software for Android, iOS, or other platforms. Such apps are browser-based, facilitate immediate updates, ensure compatibility across various platforms, and eliminate the lengthy approval process of app updates.
Enhancement of Search Engine Visibility
Web apps can be designed to function on a multitude of screen sizes for their versatility. This adaptability allows for superior SEO optimization, making your app more discoverable on search engines like Google and Bing, unlike app stores with high competition. If your web app can be accessed on any device and you offer a unique service, like helping logistics companies connect with clients, you could achieve higher search engine rankings and increase traffic.
Flexible Functionality with Custom APIs
Contrary to the limited API capabilities provided by Apple and Google, a custom web app development allows for tailored functionality for smoother integration with your current processes and software. Creating your APIs also allows other stakeholders to utilize your software, which solidifies your industry reputation. A custom web application provides more control over automation for better workflow and time-saving integration with other software.
End-to-End User Journey Management
Custom web apps allow you to dictate the user experience, encouraging user engagement. Unlike apps on the App Store or Google Play Store, where users need to search and download, web apps provide innovative user onboarding options through SEO, landing pages, and more. You can experiment with strategies to build trust and loyalty, such as free trials or gamification.
Robust Cybersecurity Measures
While apps on app stores are subject to Apple and Google’s security checks, a custom web application puts you in charge of your software’s cybersecurity. Although this comes with the responsibility of protecting your customers’ data, bespoke software solutions, when designed correctly, can provide robust protection against attacks and vulnerabilities. Implementing appropriate security features for reassurance, whether two-factor authentication or biometrics, is needed while still leveraging features like Sign in with Apple or Google Authenticator.
Conclusion
Custom web application development is vital for businesses seeking a competitive advantage in today’s digital landscape. The above comprehensive guide has explored the intricacies of custom web apps, including the differences between websites and web apps, the types of web applications to consider, the technology stacks involved, and the importance of backend and frontend frameworks. We’ve discussed the significance of post-development considerations, like version control and bug management, and the costs of custom web app development.
The guide also provided insights into the custom web development process flow. It highlighted the benefits of bespoke web applications, including adaptability, enhanced search engine visibility, flexible functionality with custom APIs, end-to-end user journey management, and robust cybersecurity measures. With this knowledge, businesses can leverage custom web application development to its fullest potential in 2023 and beyond.
