Websites and web applications are often used interchangeably, but they are two different things. Whenever you reach out to a web application development company to get a web application or a website built, they will explain the points of differences between the two.
We have tried to jot down some key differences between the two to help our readers understand better.
What is a Website?
Website refers to a collection of web pages that are all collected under a single domain name. It is more like a digital business card with a detailed view of the products and services offered by that business, and this card can be accessed on the web through a link. A website can be accessed from various devices, no matter what screen size the device has. For instance, you can access a website from a phone, laptop, tablet, desktop, etc.
The primary aim of a website is to present the key activities in which a business is involved and help visitors solve their specific needs. A website has hyperlinked pages, and it navigates a visitor to jump from one page to another. A website is an essential part of any business these days, and it helps a business make most of the acquisition.
A website can either be built on a CMS (Content Management System) or using custom-made using HTML, CSS, and Javascript. You just need to have a good website design since three-quarters of people judge a business by its website.
What is a Web Application?
A web application is stored on a server and is accessed from a browser. An internet connection is required to access a website. A web application is not the same as a mobile app or a desktop app. You are not required to download the app and save it on your system. It can be accessed through a link and has a responsive design, which means it will certainly fit any screen size.
A web application requires a hosting solution to manage requests and a database to store the information collected. The major objective of a web application is to help a user perform certain tasks. For instance, web applications are used to manage the finances of a company, track online courses or manage an ad account.
The languages and frameworks used to develop a web application are browser-supported, such as Vue.js, HTML, React.js, etc.
Now that we have understood what a website or a web application is; let us see some major points of difference between the two.
Difference between Web Application and Website
- The purpose of developing a website is to interact with the end-users and help them solve their queries or provide information. On the contrary, a website contains static content that includes a lot of information about a business, i.e., its product and services. Within 10 seconds, a user forms an opinion about a website.
- It is essential to precompile a web application before its deployment. Whereas, when it comes to a website, precompilation is not necessary.
- When using a web application, a user can read the content provided and manipulate the data. On the contrary, the website’s content cannot be manipulated.
- A web application has high browser capabilities, whereas a website has low browser capabilities.
- Web applications have complex functions, wherein a website has simple functions.
- Web applications have mandatory authentication, whereas it is not the case with a website.
- Since the complexity of web apps is complicated, the integration for them is also complicated. Integration is easy for websites because of their simple functionality.
What do You Need?
A website is required by a business when they want to showcase their products or services to the users. It can be used to raise brand awareness and for advertising purposes. Furthermore, it helps establish a reputation for your brand and acts as social proof for your business.
Web applications can be used on any platform since all modern browsers support them. It offers ease of use since a web app can be used from anywhere and at any point in time. To have a web app, you will not need any approval from the app store. Moreover, they are maintained easily since the same code is used throughout.
Conclusion
Whenever you reach out to a web development company, they will help you with all your needs to develop a website or a web app. Creating a website is easy, but establishing a web app requires expertise, deep knowledge, and intense planning. You can gauge whether you need a website, a web app, or both and then hire experts to develop the same for you.
