What is Web Application? | Types of Web Applications with examples

What is Web Application?

• Web application is an application that runs on a web server and is accessed through a web browser over the internet.
• Unlike traditional desktop applications, web applications do not need to be installed on individual devices.

Types of Web applications

• Static Web Applications
• Dynamic Web Applications
• Single-page Web Applications
• Progressive Web Applications
• E-commerce Web Applications
• Social Web Applications

Single-Page Web Applications

• Single-Page Web Applications load a single HTML page and dynamically update content as users interact with the application.
• They use JavaScript frameworks like React.js to create a seamless and responsive user experience. Gmail and Facebook are examples of SPAs.

Progressive Web Applications

• Progressive Web Applications aim to provide a native app-like experience in a web browser.
• They can work offline, offer push notifications, and provide fast performance.

E-commerce Web Applications

• E-commerce Web Applications facilitate online shopping and transactions.
• They include features such as shopping carts and payment gateway. Examples include Amazon, eBay, and Shopify.

Social Web Applications

• Social web applications allow users to create profiles, connect with others, and share content.
• Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are prominent examples of social web apps.

Diff between Web application and Website

Interactivity and Functionality

• Web Applications offer complex functionality, such as data processing or e-commerce transactions.
• A website serves as an online platform for displaying information or content.
• Web Applications require active user input and engagement.
• Websites primarily provide information in a one-way manner.

Purpose and Complexity

• Web Applications are designed to solve specific problems or provide particular services.
• Websites are generally simpler in terms of purpose and functionality.

What is Client-Side Scripting?

• Client-side scripting typically refers to scripting that is executed on the user's web browser, rather than on the web server. for example
• When you visit a website, your web browser like Chrome displays the webpage for you to see and interact with.
• Now, imagine that the webpage is like a plain document, and it needs some magic to make it more interesting and interactive. That's where client-side scripting comes into play.

What is Server-Side Scripting?

• Server-side scripting refers to the process of requesting data from a computer known as a web server.
• This server is a powerful machine that provides all the files and data required for the website.
• Consider a situation where you want to view a webpage that displays personalized data, such as your username or password. Server-side scripting is helpful in this situation.
  

What are Web Servers?

Local Servers

• Local servers, as the name suggests, refer to servers that are installed and run on a local machine.
• They enable developers to create and test websites locally before deploying them to a live environment.

Benefits of Local Servers

• Efficiency: Local servers provide a faster and more efficient development environment compared to uploading changes to a remote server after each modification.
• Offline Access: With a local server, developers can work on their projects without requiring an internet connection.
• Isolated Testing: Local servers enable developers to test their websites without affecting the live environment, ensuring a smooth user experience.

Remote Servers

• While local servers are invaluable for development and testing purposes, remote servers are the key to making websites accessible to the world.
• Remote servers are hosted in data centers and provide the necessary infrastructure to store and deliver web content to users.

Advantages of Remote Servers

• Global Accessibility: Websites hosted on remote servers are accessible to anyone with an internet connection, enabling a worldwide reach.
• Reliability and Redundancy: Data centers hosting remote servers typically have backup systems and redundant infrastructure, ensuring high availability and minimizing downtime.
• Scalability: Remote servers can easily scale up resources to accommodate increasing website traffic, ensuring optimal performance even during peak periods.

WAMP Server

• WAMP (Windows, Apache, MySQL, PHP) is a popular server stack used for local web development on Windows machines.
• Download: Visit the official WAMP website and download the latest version of WAMP.

LAMP Server

1sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

1sudo apt install apache2

1sudo apt install mysql-server

1sudo apt install php libapache2-mod-php php-mysql

XAMPP Server

• XAMPP is a cross-platform server stack that supports Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• It includes Apache, MySQL, PHP, and Perl, making it a comprehensive solution for local web development. Here's how to install XAMPP:
• Download: Visit the official XAMPP website and download the appropriate version for your operating system.

MAMP Server

• MAMP (Mac, Apache, MySQL, PHP) is a server stack designed specifically for macOS.
• It provides a straightforward installation process for local web development. Follow these steps to install MAMP:
• Download: Visit the official MAMP website and download the latest version of MAMP.

Static Website Development

• Static websites consist of pre-designed HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files that are delivered to users exactly as they are stored on the server.
• These websites are suitable for content that doesn't require frequent updates or user interactions. For example Photography Portfolio

Dynamic Website Development

• Dynamic websites, on the other hand, generate web pages on the fly, often pulling data from databases or external sources.
• These websites allow for real-time interactions and frequently updated content. For example Social web apps, Amazon, etc.

Conclusion