What is a Web App? And Why Does it Matter?

Hello! Let's dive into the world of web apps.

Defining a Web App

A web app is typically browser-based. Key characteristics include:

• Platform independence (no reliance on specific operating systems)
• Runs on any device, including mobile
• Internet-dependent (at least for initial loading)
• Dynamic content (frequent updates)

Technologies Behind Web Apps

Essential technologies for web apps include:

• Frontend: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (WebAssembly is emerging but not yet widespread)
• Backend: Various languages like Node.js, Python (with Django or Flask), Java, etc.
• Databases: SQL and NoSQL options (e.g., MongoDB, PostgreSQL)

Examples of Web Apps

Some popular web apps we use daily:

• Gmail
• Google Docs
• Trello
• Slack (even when used as a desktop app, it's web-based)
• Online banking
• Admin dashboards

Security in Web Apps

Web apps benefit from built-in security features, such as HTTPS for encrypted data transmission. This pre-existing infrastructure saves developers from building security measures from scratch.

What's Not a Web App?

To better understand web apps, let's look at what doesn't qualify:

• Native mobile apps
• Native desktop apps
• Command-line interfaces
• Embedded systems (e.g., microwave software)
• Most games (though some use web technologies)
• Simple websites**
• SEO-friendly websites** (these often prioritize static or server-rendered content)

The Server-Side Rendering Debate

** There's ongoing discussion about server-side rendering (SSR) versus client-side rendering for web apps. Some companies push for more SSR, partly because they have an incentive to sell server infrastructure. However, for many web apps, client-side rendering is often sufficient and can provide a better user experience.

Loading Times: A Reality Check

Let's consider loading times for web apps:

• First load: ~7-8 seconds
• Subsequent loads: ~1 second (thanks to caching)

For most web apps, these loading times are acceptable. Users typically don't mind waiting a few seconds for an app they'll use for an extended period.

The Hybrid Approach

At Quave, we often use a hybrid approach:

1. A website to present and sell the idea (optimized for SEO)
2. A web app for the actual product (optimized for user experience)

This combination allows us to leverage the strengths of both approaches.

Conclusion

When deciding on your app's architecture, focus on your specific needs rather than following the latest trends from big tech companies. Consider your app's requirements and user experience goals, and choose the approach that best serves your project.

Remember, technology is a big industry, and companies must make money. However, your priority should be solving your unique problems, not aligning with someone else's business model.

Think critically, and make decisions based on your app's principles, not the latest market push from big companies.

See you in the next one! Bye bye.

This content is part of the AI Proof Dev Web Apps course.

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