What are Web Applications and how do they differ from websites?

The word "application" seems to have a fairly clear association. We picture a small, round, or square icon with a logo that appears on the screen of a smartphone, tablet, or computer. In such cases, we are dealing with a mobile or desktop application. However, it’s important to be aware that today’s technological advancements have allowed us to take a step forward and develop web applications.

Web applications (also referred to as web apps) are essentially programs that run entirely in a web browser instead of being installed directly on a device. Unlike traditional desktop applications, they do not require downloading or installation, as users can access them quickly through an internet connection and a URL.

So how does this work from a technical standpoint? These applications are built using frontend technologies such as ReactJS, NextJS, TypeScript, Angular, or VueJS, while the backend may rely on frameworks like NodeJS, .NET, or Python. They communicate with servers to process data and deliver content smoothly, dynamically, and without any technical barriers that could arise along the way. Additionally, they primarily rely on business logic.

Since both websites and applications operate in nearly identical environments (which is why they are often confused), it’s natural to ask: "So how do they actually differ?"

The key lies in interactivity, which is what distinguishes web applications. We can look at these differences from three perspectives: purpose, user capabilities, and technology. A key distinction is the range of functionalities available to users. A person using a web application can log in, create accounts, edit or share content, manage data—in short, perform various actions designed by the developer. Websites, on the other hand, are primarily meant for browsing content, filling out forms (such as contact forms), or posting simple comments.

The technologies used to develop web applications rely on an advanced backend, a necessary and extensive database, and the previously mentioned business logic. This is crucial for an application that must be fully interactive and capable of responding quickly to user-generated requests. Websites, on the other hand, are typically built using HTML, CSS, and sometimes JavaScript. Their technological capabilities can also be highly advanced, but their purpose differs due to their more static nature, as previously mentioned.

So, what are some examples that can help distinguish between a website and a web application? Web applications include platforms like Facebook, Trello, Jira, Gmail, and X, while websites consist of various blogs (such as food, travel, or lifestyle blogs) and corporate websites.

To sum up, web applications are highly advanced programs that run in a browser without requiring installation on a device. Thanks to the previously mentioned technologies, they offer a wide range of interactions, from logging in to managing complex databases. The examples of web applications speak for themselves—we encounter them in our daily lives.

It is important to remember the key features that distinguish them from websites. Content presentation and information delivery are more static functions compared to the interactivity involved in complex processes and business logic, which are the core functions of web applications. The choice between the two should primarily be driven by business goals and the company’s growth vision.