A web application is an application that uses a web browser as its primary client. It is coded using browser-supported languages like HTML, PHP, JavaScript, and runs on the client-side. Some key advantages are that they do not require installation, can be accessed from anywhere, and integrate easily with server-side apps. However, they also rely on an internet connection and the hosting server. The history of web apps began in 1995 with JavaScript, and technologies like Flash, Ajax, and HTML5 have continued advancing their capabilities since.
2. What is a Web Application
Web Application simply means the application or
software that usage a web browser as a client .
Web Application is mainly coded in browser-
supported programming language like
HTML, PHP, Javascript, XML, Perl, Python.
It is popular due to its fast update without updating
any software or any and due to convenience of using
a web browser
3. History
In 1995 “Netscape” introduced a client side scripting language called
“JavaScript” which allowed programmers to create dynamic element
on the web that run on client side.
In 1996 “Macromedia” introduces “Flash”, a vector animation player
that could be added to the browser as a plugin to play animations
over web pages.
In 1999 the “web application” concept was introduced on the java
language.
In 2005 the term “Ajax” was coined which changed the web
application sector like coin changing its side. The new interactive
application were created using it like Gmail, etc.
In 2011 HTML5 was introduced which creates interactive designs
and functionality of animation without any plug-in. It nearly changes
the concept of what an web-application can be !
4. Advantages
No specially specified OS is required for it.
Can be accessed anytime from anywhere.
Doesn’t require reinstalling or update like other software.
It requires little or can be said as negligible disk and
memory space.
They integrate easily with server-side application like
email and searching.
With the help of HTML5, programmers can create web
based games and other without any plug-in or
installation.
Are compatible with tablets, mobile, pc and other devices
having a web browser.
5. Disadvantages
In practice the user experience slightly lacks as
compared to the thick clients like desktop application.
Browser based application rely over the internet
connection, so when the internet connection is
disconnected than the application becomes useless.
Since many application are not opensource than they
should rely on the 3rd party application not allowing any
customization for better user experience.
These application totally rely on the server on which they
are hosted so if anything happens to the server or the
company the application is useless.
8. Summary
As we can say that the web application is the future of
application but it needs few improvement.
Web application can be used for building cross
platform software.