Basics of Web Application Development
Home > Basics of Web Application Development
A Comprehensive Guide for the Basics of Web Application Development
Web application development is the heart of the modern digital age, many tech startups heavily rely on web application development, and SMEs require custom web applications for their in-house management system. Many Custom Web App Development projects are generally a bust, That is why today we are writing this blog covering the basics of web application development that you should be aware of before initiating a project.
What is a Web Application?
A web application is software that is accessed through a web browser. It can also be listed on iOS App Store and Google Play store for mobile applications. Web applications are hosted on cloud platforms, unlike traditional applications desktop application like MS Office that was installed on your computer. Web applications and mobile apps are now used widely in almost every industry, From Banking to Retail Sector, Wholesale industries, Online Shopping, ERPs, Management software, etc.
Key Components of Web Application Development
Front End Development
This development focuses on User Interface using html css and javascript and focus on how an end user interacts the web application. It involves Visual Layouts, design, interface and User Experience. It is built using the following technologies
- HTML (HyperText Markup Language)
- CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) used for styling
- Java Script for interactive and dynamic functionalities on the front end
- Front End Framewoks like Angular, React, Vue.JS,etc.
Back End Development
Back End Development deals with server-side coding, Database management, logic, and features of the web application. You consider it as the engine of the Web Application and is the most essential part of web application development. It comprises of 3 components
- Programming Languages like Java, Php, Python, Ruby on Rails, Node.JS, Etc.
- Databases like MongoDB, My SQL, PostgreSQL, etc.
- API (Application Programming Interfaces) used for communication with resources, Internal and External.
Step-by-Step Approach to Web Application Development
1. Planning and Research
This includes doing the documentation, This is the most essential part and it is better if it is developed by the client side. During planning and research the client writes down the basic features required in the web application the layout of how it shall interact and what purpose it would serve, Either it shall focus on 1 Browser browser such as google chrome OR shall it be Cross Platform like social media apps. The success and ease of the web application development depends on this planning document and details are the key. If all aspects are in writing then the development team can work accordingly and if anything is missing from the documentation. You can always revert to the documentation and have it fixed. So I can not emphasize this anymore, But spend time on planning this to avoid additional costs in development and testing.
2. Designing
The next step is to create a wireframe and mockup of the application. It is built using tools like Figma and Adobe. In this step before doing the development, you can see how the users would interact and User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) is developed. We utilize Java script library for using user interface. If this step is done by the client before going into development it really brings down the cost of development. This part shall focus on the web page and how user will interact with it in real time.
3. Development
Now using the documentation and approved designing mockups development phase starts. Depending upon the complexity, 1 Full Stack Developer can do the job. (A full-stack developer can do front-end and back-end coding both). OR you can deploy team of Front End and Back End Developers. There are 2 ways this project is charged, Either on Hourly Basis OR Project basis. If your documentation and designing is complete, It is advisable to go with Project Wise Costing to avoid uncertainties, However, if your documentation and functionality has flexibility and you want to tweak it as it goes, Than it would be better to opt for Hourly Rate Contract But still take an estimate of how much hours the project might go and keep 20% variation in mind. This process involves in some scenarios of developing Content Management Systems CMS. So discuss it IF you want to develop the CMS for scratch OR build your web server around it. It is conducted in this stage.
4. Testing
Once development is completed it is advisable to conduct testing of it before going Live. It is advisable to hire a different Quality Assurance company rather than the same development company. A different company can conduct better quality assurance. The results of the testing shall be shared with the development team to fix it before going Live.
5. Deployment
After testing is completed, Deploy the web application on a hosting server. There are plenty of options when it comes to hosting servers, You can also create an in-house cloud server as well. But it is only advisable if you have a large amount of database and volume. For smaller web applications it is feasible for opting with cloud hosting companies and go for monthly/annual charges. First do a beta run if possible to test it with live users before going for big launch.
6. Maintenance and Updates
Web Applications need ongoing maintenance and support. There come new versions of the programming language, Security patches need to be updated, and any feedback that is received needs to be updated regularly. During the first 6-12 months you might need more maintenance and going forward it might decrease if you are not updating the web application with new features.
Conclusion
Understanding the Basics of Web Application Development is essential for the client before hiring a web application development company. There are different types of web application development process and By following the steps mentioned above you can elevate your chances of a successful Project with no surprises down the road.
If you are looking to develop a Web Application, Feel free to reach out to us. We provide FREE Consultation and also provide complete Custom Web Development in Dubai. Ecommerce Website Development in Dubai.
