How can you go about creating a web app for your business if your resources are limited, you don’t know what a programming language is, and don’t have a background in tech? The mere thought of having to build one can be daunting.

But, with the right approach, building a web app doesn’t have to be complicated.

Web apps allow businesses and their clients to communicate. So if your business relies on client communication and interaction at all, then sooner or later you need to take the plunge and set up your web app.


In this article, you’ll learn:


  1. What a web application is
  2. What’s the difference between web applications and websites?
  3. The benefits of web applications
  4. How web applications work
  5. How to create web applications
  6. Why you need a web app
  7. If it’s expensive to build a web app for your business
  8. How can Softr help you make your web app


What is a web application?

A web application, or web app, utilizes web browsers and web technology to perform different functions, allowing users to interact and take action. Some of the most popular web apps include Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Airbnb, and Amazon. 

Web apps allow users to communicate and interact with businesses across different operating systems, make transactions, or shop online. Business employees can also utilize web apps to collaborate on projects and files, and share information.

That said, web apps are often confused with websites and web pages since they have similarly designed user experiences.

But, before you choose which one to build for your business, you need to dig deeper to understand the differences.


What’s the difference between web applications and websites?

Simply put, when you're on a web resource that contains certain content and doesn't allow you to interact with it, that's a pure website. Once users access the content and have opportunities to interact with it and perform certain activities, that's a web application.

Let’s take a look at some practical examples for web applications development and websites.


What are some examples of websites and web applications?

Web versions of Airbnb, GetYourGuide, Fiverr, Delivery Hero, Udemy, and similar platforms are all web applications as they have many interaction functions crucial to the user interface. When using web applications, you get to:

  • Perform user authentication and acquire a membership to use the platform
  • Do various activities such as renting a house, applying for jobs, paying for training, and getting certificates
  • Upload videos and photos
  • Communicate with the business or other users 


Websites, on the other hand, are more static and don’t allow for much user interaction. Portfolios of professionals are a great example of websites. You visit such pages for purely informative purposes. You navigate the content, but there’s no element for interaction. 

For example, look at this advertising agency webpage. The most interactive thing you can do on that site is clicked on the "Connect" section. It will take you to clickable forms for the company's email address and social media.


The benefits of web applications

App development can have many benefits for both businesses and users. Some of those benefits are:


  • Web applications can be directly opened in browsers, like Safari, Chrome, or Firefox, and there’s no need to download them in advance and occupy the device space.
  • Web apps are directly updated on the server and are then available to all users that have access to it with the same final version. 
  • They can be used on any platform, and there’s no need to go through a submission and approval process like one would with mobile apps.
  • Maintenance costs for businesses that have web applications are low. 
  • Compatibility issues are eliminated since all users use the same version of the web app.


How do web applications work? 




There are strict technological processes behind even the simplest activities we perform on web applications. 


By operating as one, and with the help of a web server, the following three components make user actions possible:

  • Frontend: The interface users visually interact with. Here is where the user's requests are sent, and the responses are sent back.
  • Backend: For proceeding with the user's requests, there’s a backend application server, which users do not see. The requests from the frontend are sent to the backend, which implements the users' required actions by querying the database.
  • Database: The database provides the necessary information to the backend. Once that’s done, the backend sends it back to the frontend. They transfer it to the user, and the user's required action is completed. 


Web applications are also classified into two main sections: Static and Dynamic.


Static web applications

They’re not very flexible in terms of adding or modifying content. Users can perform basic activities like searching, filtering the presented information, and reading it. 

Dynamic web applications

Provide significantly more flexibility for adding and modifying content. Users can do things like upload different types of content, and construct the information they want to see based on their preferences.


Build your web app the no-code way

Website applications are the best way for businesses to communicate with users, facilitate fast and secure transactions, store information, and create portals.



However, many businesses confuse web apps with websites and aim to communicate with their users through their websites alone. But the two are very different. Unlike web apps, websites don’t allow for much user interaction.



Web applications give businesses the ability to streamline their operations, increase revenue, and cut costs, along with many other benefits. Despite all the benefits, many businesses, creators, and entrepreneurs are hesitant to create their web apps due to perceived high cost and effort. 



And it’s true. Web app development does cost a lot of money and takes a lot of time if you decide to hire a team or refer to an agency. But there’s another, much more cost- and time-efficient way. Using no-code tools like Softr.



Don’t let a lack of technical knowledge hold you back. Find your idea, pick your building blocks, integrate with your favorite tools, and let your business succeed.