5 Steps of How to Build Web Applications

Every year, the number of businesses that use online as a channel of communication with customers and employees is growing. The web allows them to exchange information with their target audience and conduct secure transactions. However, effective interaction is possible only when a business can quickly collect and process customer data, respond to inquiries, etc. Conventional websites are unable to cope with all business tasks, so web applications come to the rescue.

We at OS-System have a lot of experience in creating web applications, from SPAs to PWAs and dynamic web applications. In this article, we want to discuss how to build a web application.

What is Web App?

Web applications are interactive applications that consist of two parts:

  • One is loaded into the browser when the user types the appropriate command.
  • The second is hosted on a server that contains all the data embedded in the web application. It receives a request from the user, finds the information, and sends it to the browser.

For most clients, web applications do not differ from websites in appearance. But if the latter is more informative, web applications have a large number of built-in functions – from working with graphics and tables to online ordering.

Here are the advantages you get if you decide to build web applications:

  • Web applications do not require installation in the memory of the device.
  • The user does not have to think about updating the program, as it is done automatically and centrally.
  • All users get access to the same version of the web application, which avoids misunderstandings.
  • The web application is developed keeping in mind that it can be opened from any browser and operating system.
  • Web applications reduce costs for both the business and the end user as they require fewer resources (labor, equipment) to operate and maintain.
  • Applications are easy to use and do not require specialized knowledge and skills, allowing you to work with different audiences.
  • Web applications are cost-effective, as they are cheaper than classic software solutions, which allows them to be used by companies with limited budgets.

Web applications can be easily customized to meet the needs of any business.

Web Apps vs. Websites: What’s the Difference?

Both a website and a web application use a browser, but the two tools have significant differences:

  • A website is a certain number of web pages, mostly of informational content. Authorization is not necessary to use them, but interaction with them is significantly limited. The user can only search, post a review, subscribe to news, and send a message to the site owner.
  • Web applications contain different functions depending on the needs of the company. To use its capabilities to the fullest extent, you usually need to be sure to pass authorization. The system will distinguish the user from other clients, save personal data, etc.

Can’t choose between developing a web app and a website? The difference between a website and a web application can be understood from the table below.

Web applicationWebsite
Purpose of creationInteraction with the end consumerTo convey information to the consumer
AccessHas certain restrictions (authorization may be required)All visitors have access
Interaction with the userUsers can not only familiarize themselves with the information but also perform certain manipulations (e.g., work with text)Users can only familiarize themselves  with content, leave feedback
StructureA web application has a more complex structure compared to a website
CompilationNeeded. Also, if changes are made to the web application, compilation will need to be done againIt is not necessary, even if changes are made to the site

It should be noted that there are sites that contain web applications and provide a lot of interactive features for administration. Normal users most often do not experience any difference.

Common Types of Web Apps

If you want to build a web application, you can choose from 4 different types.

Single-Page Applications (SPAs)

Unlike traditional websites that load new pages, SPAs work differently – they load just once and update content dynamically. Think of Gmail or Twitter – when you click around, the page doesn’t refresh completely. Instead, it smoothly updates specific sections while keeping others intact. This makes SPAs feel quick and responsive, almost like using a desktop app.

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)

PWAs bridge the gap between websites and mobile apps. They work offline, send push notifications, and can be installed on your phone’s home screen – just like regular apps. Pinterest’s mobile website is a perfect example – it works smoothly even with spotty internet and lets you save pins offline. PWAs give users an app-like experience without the hassle of visiting an app store.

Static Web Applications

These are the simplest type – imagine a digital brochure that stays the same for all users. Blogs, documentation sites, and portfolio websites often use this approach. They load blazing fast and rarely break since there’s no complex server logic. Plus, they’re cheap to host and maintain. If your content doesn’t need frequent updates, static apps are hard to beat.

Dynamic Web Applications

These apps create personalized experiences based on user input and data. Think of e-commerce sites like Amazon – they show different products, recommendations, and prices to each user. Online banking portals are another example – they pull real-time data from databases and let users make transactions. Dynamic apps are more complex to build but offer rich, interactive features that static sites can’t match.

5 Steps for Web App Development

So, let’s discuss how to develop web application in 5 steps.

Setting Goals and Requirements

Before starting custom web application development, it is important to define the goals and requirements clearly. This will help avoid misunderstandings and ensure that the final product will meet expectations. At this stage, it is necessary to:

  • Identify the target audience
  • Formulate the main functions and features of the application
  • Identify technical and business requirements

Defining the target audience involves analyzing the demographics, interests, and needs of potential users. This will allow you to create an app that will be as useful and convenient for them as possible. For example, if your target audience is young people who actively use mobile devices, it is worth paying special attention to adaptive design and usability on smartphones and tablets.

Formulating the main functions and features of the app involves creating a list of all the necessary functions that should be implemented. These can be both basic functions, such as user registration and authorization, and those specific to your project, such as the ability to create and manage content or integration with social networks.

Defining technical and business requirements includes choosing a development platform, determining the resources and budget required, and setting a timeline for the project. For example, if you are developing an online store, you need to determine what product categories will be featured, what payment methods will be supported, and how shipping will be organized.

Design and Architecture

After setting goals and requirements, you need to move on to design and architecture. This includes:

  • Developing interface mockups and prototypes
  • Defining the system architecture (client-server, microservice, etc.)
  • Selection of technologies and tools

Development of mockups and interface prototypes allows you to visualize the future product and get feedback from users at the early stages of custom web applications development. This helps to avoid mistakes and misunderstandings later on. For example, creating an interactive prototype of an online store will allow you to test the convenience of the navigation and checkout process.

Defining the system architecture includes choosing the appropriate architecture for your project. Client-server architecture is suitable for most web applications, as it allows you to separate the application logic into client and server parts. Microservice architecture can be useful for large projects with high workloads, as it allows the application to be divided into independent modules that can be developed and scaled separately.

Choosing technologies and tools involves determining the programming languages, frameworks, and libraries that will be used in the project. For example, you can use React or Vue.js for frontend development and Node.js or Django for the backend. It is important to consider the scalability and performance of the system so that it can handle the increase in load as the number of users grows. For example, for an online store, it is important to provide the ability to quickly search for products and process a large number of orders simultaneously.

Development and Programming

At this stage, the direct custom web app development begins. The main tasks include:

  • Creating the frontend (user interface) using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
  • Development of the backend (server side) using selected technologies (e.g., Node.js, Python, Ruby)
  • Integration with databases and external services

Creating the frontend includes developing a user interface that is user-friendly and intuitive for users. This includes creating a responsive design that will display correctly on different devices and screens. For example, for an online store, it is important that users can easily find products, add them to the cart, and place orders.

Developing the backend involves creating server-side logic that will handle requests from the client and interact with databases and external services. This may include implementing user authentication and authorization, payment processing, and content management. For example, it is important for an online store to secure user data and protect against fraud.

Integration with databases and external services includes customizing interaction with databases such as MySQL or MongoDB, as well as integration with external services such as payment systems or social media APIs. For example, for an online store, it is important to ensure reliable storage of data about products, orders, and users, as well as the ability to integrate with payment systems to process payments.

For successful web app development, it is important to follow clean code principles and use version control systems such as Git. This will help keep your code organized and facilitate teamwork. For example, using a version control system allows you to track changes to your code, roll back to previous versions, and work on your project with other developers.

Testing and Debugging

Once web app development is complete, thorough testing and debugging should be performed. This includes:

  • Unit testing of individual components
  • Integration testing to check the interaction between components
  • Load testing to evaluate performance under heavy load

Unit testing involves checking individual components of the application to ensure that they are working correctly. This allows you to detect and correct errors at the early stages of custom web app development. For example, for an online store, it is important to check that each function, such as adding an item to a cart or checkout, works correctly.

Integration testing includes checking the interaction between different components of the application. This allows you to make sure that all parts of the system work together seamlessly. For example, for an online store, it is important to check that the checkout process, including product selection, adding to cart, entering user data, and payment processing, runs without errors.

Load testing involves checking the system performance under high load. This allows you to evaluate how the application will work under a large number of users and requests. For example, for an online store, it is important to make sure that the system is able to process a large number of orders simultaneously and does not lose performance when the load increases.

Deployment and Support

After successful testing, the web application is ready to be deployed. The basic steps include:

  • Configuring servers and hosting
  • Deploying the application on the server
  • Configuring monitoring and logging

Server and hosting setup includes choosing the right platform to host the application, configuring the servers, and ensuring data security. For example, for an online store, it is important to choose a reliable hosting provider that will ensure the stable operation of the site and the protection of user data.

Deploying an application on a server involves moving code and data to the server, setting up the environment, and running the application. This may include setting up a web server, database, and other necessary services. For example, for an online store, it is important to ensure that all functions, such as product search, ordering, and payment processing, work correctly.

Setting up monitoring and logging includes installing tools for tracking the application and collecting logs. This allows you to promptly identify and eliminate errors, as well as analyze system performance. For example, for an online store, it is important to track the number of orders, server response time, and the presence of errors in the application.

Once deployed, it is important to provide ongoing support and updates to the application. This includes fixing bugs, adding new features, and optimizing performance. For example, for an online store, it is important to regularly update the product catalog, improve the checkout process, and add new payment methods.

Need To Build Your Own Web App? OS-System Can Help!

OS-System Team

Converting your idea for a web application into an actual working piece does not need to be an overwhelming process: OS-System is there to take care of all the technical heavy lifting. Our expert developers can convert your vision into a simple corporate website or even a highly enterprise-intensive solution. We’ll build a web app from design and development to deployment, following the best practices and using only battle-tested technologies.

Need a Web App project? Contact our team to discuss your project requirements.

Final Thoughts

Web application development is a complex and multifaceted process that requires careful attention at every stage. By following these basic steps, you will be able to create a high-quality and functional web application that will meet the needs of users and businesses. It is important to remember that a successful web application requires continuous improvement and adaptation to changing market conditions and requirements.

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