Module 1: Foundations of Mobile Application Development

3.2. Web Apps

2. Web Apps

Web apps behave similarly to native apps but are accessed via a web browser on your mobile device. Web apps are types of mobile apps that draw from web-based technologies. They’re accessed through a mobile device’s web browser, so avoid any download or install onto a device. They’re also internet-enabled which gives them added flexibility and a more responsive design that can work on any mobile device or operating system. They’re not standalone apps in the sense of having to download and install code into your device. They’re actually responsive websites that adapt its user interface to the device the user is on. In fact, when you come across the option to “install” a web app, it often simply bookmarks the website URL on your device.
One kind of web app is the progressive web app (PWA), which is basically a native app running inside a browser.
Technology Used: Web apps are designed using HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, Ruby, and similar programming languages used for web work.

Examples:

Web Apps

1. AliExpress

   Description: E-commerce platform for buying products online.

2. BBC News

   Description: News website providing global news updates.

3. Google Docs

   Description: Online document editor and collaboration tool.

4. Trello

   Description: Project management and collaboration tool.

5. Canva

   Description: Online design and publishing tool.

6. Pixlr

Description: Web-based photo editing tool.

 

Pros: Because it’s web-based, there is no need to customize to a platform or OS. This cuts down on development costs.
Plus, there’s nothing to download. They won’t take up space on your device memory like a native app, making maintenance easier – just push the update live over the web. Users don’t need to download the update at the app store.

Cons: But this is also pertinent: web apps are entirely dependent on the browser used on the device. There will be functionalities available within one browser and not available on another, possibly giving users varying experiences.
And because they’re shells for websites, they won’t completely work offline. Even if they have an offline mode, the device will still need an internet connection to back up the data on your device, offer up any new data, or refresh what’s on screen.