Create a Web Application: 10 Tips for Development

Today, web apps make up the majority of applications on the internet and are widely represented online. Creating a web application requires thorough planning and execution to develop a successful, user-friendly product. Whether you want to create a simple website, an online shop, or a complex social network, here are 10 tips that can help you with the development of a web application.

The Key Points in Brief

What Are Web Apps, and What Types of Web Apps Are There?

A web application is a complex website that can be compared to a standalone program or app. That’s where the name web application comes from—an application that runs on the internet. Modern web applications can perform complex tasks not unlike classic apps or programs. However, unlike apps or programs that must be installed, they usually run online, on a server or web space. Today, most major websites are web apps or portals. The classic, static website—or even simpler websites that only provide interaction between server and user—have become relatively rare.

What’s Important for Programming a Good Web App?

A good web app must meet various requirements to succeed, resonate with users, and outperform its competition. On the one hand, the portal must be easy to use and offer users the features they want. It should be free of errors and reliably perform its tasks. Someone wanting to book a course or purchase a product should be able to follow the steps easily, without any issues. Another crucial factor is trust in the provider. The portal must have a reputation for being trustworthy and create confidence. Correspondingly, security must be well-managed. You also need to decide whether you want to develop native apps, or prefer to create a hybrid app. Additionally, you must clarify whether you’ll use existing technologies for building your own app or web app, or whether you’ll rely on new ones.

For native applications, you’ll need Kotlin and Java for Android or Swift for iOS. You also need to determine if a simple app is sufficient, or if you want to develop progressive web apps (PWAs) using CSS3 and JavaScript.

Well-Known Web Applications in Germany

Many web applications can be found on the internet today, several of which are very popular in Germany. Two examples are Expedia.de and Netflix. Both providers are web applications offering services from completely different sectors, yet they perform similar tasks. Users can select a product, pay for it, and then use it for a specific time or at a particular moment. Web applications function like websites. They use HTML and CSS, and they’re developed with the usual internet technologies, which makes them easy to update. Users can also view and use them directly in the browser.

Netflix

Netflix.de is a streaming service. Customers sign up, choose a plan, and then pay a monthly fee to watch movies and shows on demand on their TV. They aren’t dependent on TV broadcast times and don’t have to wait for a specific program to be aired. Additionally, each program can be watched in different languages, and playback can be paused to continue later. Netflix offers customers a website that outlines its benefits and features, as well as a customer area for payments and data updates. The main interface allows streaming content in different languages and qualities. A mobile app enables smartphone use, with activities like watching movies or updating data synced between the app and the website.

Expedia.de

Expedia.de is one of Germany’s first and most famous travel portals. Through this provider, you can not only book flights but also find hotels, as well as book package or all-inclusive vacations. To do this, the web application interacts with numerous other providers and databases to find available rooms, flights, etc. It then processes bookings and forwards data regarding flights, hotels, etc., to prevent overbooking or other issues. Expedia.de is thus an excellent example of how a complex web application works, what it needs to do, and how it collaborates with interfaces via APIs.

Create a Successful Web Application With These Tips

The following ten tips will show you how to succeed when creating web applications and what it depends on. Our experts discuss various aspects of building a web application and explain how you can stand out from the competition and become more successful. We’ll also touch on some tutorials that can help you with developing web apps.

Define Your Goals

Before starting on web application development, it’s important to define clear goals. Think about the problems your web application will solve and what functions and features it will include. Also define your target audience and their needs to build the right solution. Consider your programming language and target audience, and decide which app store you’ll publish your software in—the Google Play Store for Android or the Apple App Store for iOS. Because apps for the two platforms must be developed differently, you’ll need an expert with the necessary programming skills and knowledge of JavaScript and CSS to build the app using HTML5. For native apps, you’ll need Kotlin and Java for Android or Swift for iOS. You also need to figure out whether a simple app suffices or if you want to implement progressive web apps (PWA) with CSS3 and JavaScript.

Creating Web Apps: User-Friendly Design

A well-designed and user-friendly interface is crucial for your web application’s success. Make sure the design is appealing, has a clear structure, and is easy to navigate. Remember to follow responsive design principles to ensure your web application works reliably on different devices and screen sizes. After all, the apps are displayed directly in the web browser on end-user devices. Because the interface appears in the browser, usually nothing needs to be installed, although the site still needs to be hosted on a server and built using a framework.

Developing an App: Scalable Architecture

When developing a web application, it’s important to use a scalable architecture. Carefully plan your database structure and back-end infrastructure to ensure your web application can perform efficiently, even with increasing numbers of users and data loads. Scalability allows you to handle the growth of your web application without major issues.

Security in App Development

Security is critical in a web application, especially when it comes to protecting user data. As a developer, you play a key role here. Implement standard security measures like encrypting sensitive data, preventing cross-site scripting (XSS), and protecting against SQL injection attacks. Regular security updates and reviews are also essential for identifying and fixing potential vulnerabilities. Additionally, use modern programming languages like jQuery and PHP to build a progressive web app.

Performance Optimization

A fast, responsive web application is essential for user experience. Optimize your web application’s code to minimize loading times and maximize performance. Use efficient algorithms, caching techniques, and compression methods to make the web application as quick as possible. Ideally, it should also be able to work offline, saving critical data on the smartphone itself if necessary.

Test, Test, Test

No matter which types of web apps you program, extensive testing is a key step in building a web application. Test your web app on different browsers, operating systems, and devices to ensure it works flawlessly everywhere and that there are no errors in your HTML code or CSS3 stylesheet. Also carry out extensive functional tests, user tests, and security tests to spot and fix potential issues early on.

Responsive Design

In an increasingly mobile world, having a responsive design is a must. Make sure your web application displays optimally on a variety of devices and screen sizes. A responsive design automatically adjusts the layout and user interface to fit the respective screen, delivering a seamless user experience. This enhances accessibility, user satisfaction, and ultimately boosts conversion rates.

Easy Navigation

An intuitive and easy-to-understand navigation is critical for a good user experience. Make sure your web application features clear menus, buttons, and links so users can smoothly move between different pages and functions. Reduce the number of clicks needed for users to reach the information or actions they’re seeking.

Gather User Feedback

Collecting in-depth user feedback can yield valuable insights to continually improve your web application. Let users provide feedback via contact forms, surveys, or reviews. Analyze this feedback carefully and make any necessary changes to meet the users’ needs and expectations.

Regular Updates and Maintenance

A successful web application needs regular updates and maintenance to stay secure, high-performing, and user-friendly. Plan regular updates to add new features, fix bugs, and close security gaps. Also monitor your web application’s performance and perform maintenance tasks periodically to keep it running smoothly.

How a Web App Works

A web application is a complex system that isn’t much different from a conventional application. It can perform the same tasks but, unlike a program, usually doesn’t need to be installed because it runs online on a server. Consequently, web applications employ many different programming languages. Today, aside from classic HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, languages like Python, F#, Scala, Kotlin, or Java are increasingly used. Moreover, a web application must be able to interact with other apps, mobile apps, and even other websites via interfaces. It’s possible to build websites today that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago. In our modern era, about 85% of websites are web applications with advanced features. Most web apps are dynamic, and each individual app—like any regular website—can be found by search engines.

Advantages of Web Applications

We live in a complex, digital age in which websites must meet increasingly high demands. They must handle functions that were not too long ago unthinkable. Just think back to what you were able to do online ten years ago and how many programs needed installing, then compare that to today. The variety and complexity of web applications is exactly where their advantage lies. They let you create a complex website that differs little or not at all from classic programs and applications. Another plus is that they run online on a server, meaning they’re globally available and nothing needs to be installed. This is appealing to customers, but also for internal use. For example, employees can use their smartphone, tablet, or company laptop to access the company’s CRM, issue invoices, or contact customers, while all data remains on the company’s server, safely stored.

If a laptop is lost or a smartphone gets hacked, it doesn’t necessarily compromise security, provided employees keep their passwords secure and don’t store them on the device. All this makes web applications particularly popular and has led to the majority of internet websites being web apps today.

Drawbacks of Web Applications

Despite their benefits, web applications also face a few disadvantages. The biggest issue is that they’re very complex. Development is expensive and time-consuming, and using them typically requires training. Moreover, the portal and infrastructure must be closely monitored, maintained, and improved, meaning a dedicated IT specialist is needed. Alternatively, you can partner with an agency like Shopboostr for these tasks.

Another major factor is security. Because web applications often take on numerous functions, they frequently interact with other websites and process large amounts of data—often sensitive data. This can include company or payment information, managing shipments, scheduling vehicles, booking flights, etc. It’s clear that a lack of security or a cybercriminal attack can have serious consequences.

Conclusion and Summary

Create Your Own Web Application With Shopboostr