Steps on How to Create a Web App

Creating a web application for your company is like embracing a new digital future. The app streamlines communication, scales your operation, and ensures safe data backup and storage, helping you compete in a global business environment.

If you are considering creating a web app to transform your business, it’s worth noting that the process has become significantly more straightforward than a decade ago. Let’s explore how to create a web app that suits your business.

What is a Web Application?

A web app is an engaging application that is accessible on most operating systems and typical computers through web browsers. It is developed using HTML, CSS, JavaScript along other web technologies.

Moreover, these apps do not occupy space on a computer’s hard disk and are reachable from nearly any device. Multiple users can use and collaborate on the same app.

Some examples of web applications are shopping carts, online forms, spreadsheets, word processors and file converters.

From Concept to Code: Steps to Create a Web App

From the ideation to the launching stage, many steps must be followed while creating a web app. Let’s explore the steps to create a web app:

Ideation Stage

This stage sets a foundation for your product development. The ideation stage includes turning ideas into actionable strategies and outlining the prototype with a user-centric approach.

• Source an Idea

Initiating brainstorming sessions will generate raw and unproven ideas that may later undergo shortlisting.

• Research Your Target Market and Competition

Conducting thorough user and market research helps understand user challenges and competition. This insight can help to define the technical direction of the web app.

• Plan Key Functionality and Features

Listing essential features using the MoSCoW method (Must have, Should have, Could have, Would not need) sets the groundwork for wireframing and prototyping. The method helps prioritise features and functionalities in the development process, thus providing the best return on investment.

Designing UX and UI stage

The design phase contains understanding the interaction between User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX), each shaping design decisions.

• Map to the User Journey

Visualising the user’s flow through the web app helps understand user motivations, needs, and challenges, which is key for enhancing UX.

• Wireframe the App

Wireframing is like creating a layout of your web app. This focuses on basic shapes, lines, and placeholders to represent elements like buttons, menus, text areas and images.

• Build a Clickable Prototype

Creating interactive prototypes simulates the user experience, offering invaluable feedback on functionality and design before the complete web app development.

• Visual Design

Designing the app’s aesthetics involves selecting UI elements, fonts, colour schemes, and motion design elements, primarily focused on usability and functionality, for a delightful user experience.

Application Development stage

The development phase translates validated designs into technical decisions and frameworks. This stage involves the actual coding process.

• Choose your Tech Stack

Selecting a tech stack involves combining technologies, frameworks, and languages for front-end and back-end development, ensuring compatibility and functionality.

• Architect your Database

The architecture is the foundation of the web app; it creates a stable, secure, and scalable enterprise application. Establishing a robust database architecture follows the Model-View-Controller (MVC) pattern,  which organises data storage, user interface, and system interaction.

• Develop Your Front-end

Creating the client-side application with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, incorporating front-end frameworks like Bootstrap or React for a visually appealing interface.

The backend function is used to receive client requests and contains the logic to send the appropriate data back to the client. Constructing the back end involves:

• Developing server-side logic,
• Employing frameworks like Node.js or Ruby on Rails
• Ensuring smooth communication between front-end and back-end components.

• Integrate Front-end with Back-end APIs

Enabling API integration ensures efficient data exchange between front-end and back-end components, which is crucial for functionalities like user login and payment processing.

• Test Your Web App and Improve

Continuous testing, from unit tests to user feedback, ensures the app’s functionality, resilience, and user satisfaction.

Application Launch Stage

The final development phase includes launching the completed web app. This involves selecting a hosting platform and introducing it to real users.

• Host Your Web App

Web app hosting via cloud services ensures global accessibility and instant availability. Opting for a server aligns with your chosen tech stack or personal preference. Renowned cloud hosting options encompass Amazon, MS Azure, and Google Cloud.

• Deploy Your Web App

Deploying involves moving the web app from source control to the designated cloud hosting provider. Tools like GitLab, Bitbucket, and Jenkins support this process.

While the deployment of your app is a milestone, Agile and DevOps ideologies support continuous feedback, refinement, and delivery. It marks the initiation of an ongoing process, aiming for a constant stream of new features and enhancements post-release.

Different Types of Web Apps

Understanding the different types of web applications will help you address diverse needs across industries. Web applications come in various forms, each with its specific functions and user experiences. Let’s explore how these tools are revolutionising our online presence in the market.

Here are a few types of web applications:

• Dynamic Web Apps:

These are versatile and interactive web applications. Dynamic Web apps use server-side languages to retrieve data from a database or other application and respond adequately. The apps generate content in real-time and update information based on user interactions or data inputs. Examples include social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter that can adapt and modify content dynamically.

• Static Web Apps

These apps represent a specific form of web application and offer fixed content to users. Static apps do not change content based on user interactions. These apps are built beforehand and hosted by servers. When someone accesses it, their browser fetches the pre-made files and shows the user. Common examples include portfolio websites and online resumes.

• E-commerce Apps

E-commerce web apps facilitate online buying and selling, allowing customers to purchase goods or services online. They offer comprehensive product information, manage orders and payments, and provide user-friendly interfaces for a seamless shopping experience. E-commerce apps work through a series of steps. It utilises website code, the database and third party applications like payment processors. It also uses SSL certificates to secure and encrypt all transferred data. Giants like Amazon and eBay display the functionality of e-commerce web applications.

• Portal Web Apps

These web apps act as gateways to access various services, unrelated applications, or diverse links from a single platform. They offer centralised access to multiple resources like news sites, blogs, search engines, and shopping platforms, simplifying browsing across different content without leaving the site. Portal web apps are built using web development language. It uses a database to store the information. Popular examples include educational portals like Udemy and Coursera, which offer diverse learning resources.

• Content Management System (CMS) Web Apps

With a Content Management System (CMS), users can create, edit, and publish digital content without technical expertise. They streamline content creation by allowing the users to add text, images, videos, and other elements through an inbuilt admin panel. Platforms like WordPress and Webflow use CMS web apps to make content creation and management accessible to a broad audience.

• Progressive Web Apps

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) combine the best web and mobile app experiences. They leverage modern web technologies to deliver app-like functionalities while being accessible via a web browser. PWAs offer a seamless and responsive user experience across various devices, resembling native mobile apps. Examples include applications like Spotify and Slack.

What are the Benefits of Web Apps Over Mobile Apps?

From cross-platform compatibility to streamlined updates and easy accessibility, the advantages of web apps are plentiful. Let’s explore the advantages of web apps over mobile apps:

Cross-Platform Compatibility
As web apps are widely available through browsers, we can use them anywhere and anytime on our desktops, tablets or smartphones. They eliminate barriers related to device compatibility, allowing a broader user base to access the application.

Easier Updates
Web apps receive updates centrally on servers, removing the need for users to download updates manually. This ease of updating ensures that everyone uses the latest version, enhancing security and functionality.

No Installation Required
Users can access web apps instantly through browsers without downloading or installing them from app stores. This simplifies access and reduces the storage requirement

Cost-Effective Development
Building web apps often involves a single codebase adaptable for various platforms. This reduces development costs compared to building separate native apps for different operating systems like iOS and Android.

Search Engine Visibility
Search engines easily find web apps, enhancing their visibility. This makes it simpler for potential users to find and access the app through search results.

Scalability
Most web applications can be designed to scale by adding more servers or instances to accommodate increased user traffic and demand. Scalability ensures that your system can grow to meet the demands of a growing user base or increasing workloads. It ensures a smooth user experience and cost efficiency.

What is the Difference Between a Web App and a Website?

Both websites and webpages are accessible through a browser and hosted on a server. However, the key difference lies in their nature: websites offer info or services, while web apps are dynamic, enabling interactive tasks like shopping or gaming. Web apps are typically more complex and require additional server resources than websites. 

Likewise, Websites are suitable for individuals or businesses looking to establish an online presence, share information, and engage with their audience. On the other hand, web apps take the digital experience to the next level. They are not just about sharing information; they are interactive and dynamic and offer functionalities beyond static websites.

Web apps enable users to perform specific tasks, access personalised content, and often involve complex operations. They cater to a more engaged and interactive user experience, making them ideal for businesses that require more than just an online brochure. Whether managing tasks, processing data, or facilitating transactions, web apps provide a dynamic and tailored experience for users with specific needs.

Set up a High-Performance Web App with Wolfmatrix

Wolfmatrix is a top app development company in Australia with over a decade of experience. Our commitment lies in meticulously researching and integrating best practices into the development process, ensuring they align with the unique dynamics of your business.  We focus on where your business stands out and customise our web development accordingly to meet your requirements.  Our commitment is: You will receive what you envision. Our team, a group of app development specialists, leverages a variety of technologies to craft innovative solutions. Want an estimate for your web app? Get in touch with us now!