Website VS Web App
Category: Idea | Posted date: 2021-07-27 23:36:02 | Posted by: Admin
Have you ever wondered what could be the range of projects for Web Developers? As you may already know, we have what we call Websites and I think everyone knows what a website is. But unfortunately, some people still think that everything you access on the internet is a website. This misunderstanding must be stopped, and I am not even exaggerating. This goes for both common users and web development beginners’ sake.
What do I mean not everything is a website? Because there is also what we call a Web App. You sure have already encountered dozens of web apps before but didn’t know they are web apps so you simply just call them a website. And it is totally fine, we all went through that. But today, we’ll go through some discussion to differentiate a Website and a Web App.
Let’s break them down into four (4) categories: Looks, Functionality, Accessibility and Technology.
LOOKS
Website - This will sound as easy as what it looks like. In a website, you can see the typical elements like menu, navigation bar and its contents such as blog posts, images and videos. That’s just pretty much it. Buttons may be present but they are just limited to ‘Next page’ or ‘Previous’ as few of the examples. These buttons don't necessarily demand interaction and data.
Web App - Its looks don't fall far from a Website. It got what a website has. The only difference is that, in a web app, it requires more complex buttons and text inputs. This requires data and information from the user. The menu could also have more options than a website because a web app has more complexity and requirements to interact. You can easily distinguish their looks if there are forms present, e.g. payment forms, subscriptions, login/ create an account, and pages that let you post your own content. We will discuss more of that on FUNCTIONALITY.
FUNCTIONALITY
Website - A website as I mentioned from above, doesn’t require much interaction. It is basically a page you just scroll through up and down to browse, read or watch. Great examples are Blogs, Photo Galleries/ Portfolios and Landing Pages. Some could have a text input where you submit your email so you can be notified for their latest updates.
Web App - It has a lot to offer! From creating your own content to shopping, you name it. Few of the many known web apps are e-commerce shops, social media, and school portals. You could say that it was the complete opposite of a website in terms of their functionalities. Web app is interactive and contains various actions to accomplish your goal and access most of its offers. Transactions are mainly the core function of it.
ACCESSIBILITY
Website - If you have already wrapped it up, you probably have a hint that in terms of accessibility, a website does not need to set up a verification process because users do not interact with the content.
Web App - It requires strict authorization as users can send and transmit sensitive and personal information. It is to protect the user’s data. Although users can access the web app without signing up first, most of the transactions require you to have authorization first if you want to make a certain action.
TECHNOLOGY
Website - Familiar with HTML, CSS and JavaScript? Those three, and sometimes no JavaScript, are the essentials and basic technologies used in creating a website. Only these static techs can help you build a website.
Web App - Web Application on the other hand requires a complex backend. It means it is built using various technologies. Unlike a website which can be built from basic technologies, a web app demands a more advanced knowledge and skills from you. It includes creating a database that will store data from the users.
I hope this is a useful insight and explanation to people who don't know the difference between these two yet. And if you already are, feel free to let us know what are your thoughts and additional explanation regarding this.
