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What is it and how does it work?
Learn what a web application is and discover how it works behind the scenes.
โExplore the guide
11 topics to explore
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Advantages
Discover why web applications are easy to deploy, update and access across different platforms.
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Disadvantages
Understand the trade-offs, including internet dependence, security concerns and performance limitations.
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04
Design Alternatives
Explore different approaches to designing and structuring modern web applications.
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05
Web App Types
Explore different types of web apps and learn what each type is designed to accomplish.
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06
App Functions
Learn about the functions of existing web applications such as Docs, Gmail and other popular services.
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07
Functional Requirements
Understand the features and behaviours a web application needs to function correctly.
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08
Non-Functional Requirements
Discover requirements involving performance, security, usability, reliability and scalability.
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09
Process & Logbook
Follow the process of creating this website from the initial idea through to completion.
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10
Existing Apps
Explore examples of popular web apps and see how the concepts in this guide are used in practice.
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11
Bibliography
View the websites, sources and references used throughout this project.
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01 ยท Fundamentals
What is it and how does it work?
Before exploring the different types and features of web applications, it helps to understand the basic technology behind them.
What is a web application?
A web application, or a web app, is software that runs inside a web browser and does not need to be installed directly on your device. Web applications can be accessed through browsers such as Chrome, Safari, Edge and Firefox.
How do web applications function?
Web applications commonly use client-server architecture. The user's device sends requests to a server, which processes those requests and returns the appropriate data or response through a network.
02 ยท Benefits & Challenges
The advantages and disadvantages
Like any type of software, web applications have strengths and limitations that should be considered when designing or using them.
Advantages
Web applications can be accessed from many devices, updated centrally and distributed without requiring users to install traditional desktop software. They can also make it easier for teams to access the same information from different locations.
Disadvantages
Depending on their design, web applications may rely heavily on an internet connection and can introduce additional considerations around security, browser compatibility and performance.
Design Alternatives
Developers can choose different architectures, layouts and technologies depending on the goals, audience and requirements of the application.
Web App Types
Web applications can take many forms, including static applications, dynamic applications, single-page applications and progressive web applications.
Good web apps need more than a good design.
Functionality, performance, usability, reliability, security and scalability all contribute to how a web application works and how users experience it.
03 ยท Building a Web App
How web applications are designed
A successful web application needs clearly defined functions and requirements before development begins.
App Functions
Web applications can perform many different functions, from writing documents and sending emails to managing data, communicating with other users and completing online transactions.
Functional Requirements
Functional requirements describe what a web application should do, including the actions, features and behaviours available to users.
Non-Functional Requirements
Non-functional requirements describe qualities such as performance, security, usability, reliability, accessibility and scalability.
Process & Logbook
Document the development process, including research, planning, design decisions, testing, improvements and the final result.
Existing Apps
Examples such as Google Docs, Gmail and other online services demonstrate how web application concepts are used in real-world products.
Bibliography
Keep track of the websites, articles, documentation and other references used while researching and creating the project.