Often you get confused between website and web app. You might wonder what is the difference between a website and a web app? How they are different from each other? What shall I prefer to promote my business- a website or a web app? What are the advantages and disadvantages of a website and a web app?
To answer all of the above-mentioned questions, here we come with this blog to provide a detailed comparison between website and web application. Further, the article will also make sure that you get an understanding of how they are different from each other.
What is a website?
A website is a collective group of globally accessible interlinked static web pages with unique domain names. They form the World Wide Web (WWW). Many websites are publicly accessible but few of them can only be accessed on the private network. The reason behind this type of network is to serve a specific purpose. For example, a company gives access to its employees for different tasks while keeping certain restrictions.
The blog you are currently reading is an example of a website. Hence, you can get the information and have minimal interactions. The interacting features on this page include a subscription for the newsletter, contact form, and also other small features.
You can access websites from all the devices be it – desktop PC, laptops, tablets, or Smartphones. For this purpose, you will need a web browser to access the website. Presently, the most common technology used for developing a website is HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Advantages of a Website
- Provides impeccable online presence
- Social platform for interaction
- Acts as a digital brochure for your business
- Efficient method for branding of products or services
- Customer support improves
- Platform to represent your blog
Disadvantages of website
- Websites tend to crash occasionally
- Spam emails through the contact form
- Exposure to data scrapers
- Information becomes unreliable if not updated
Features of a website
- 24×7 access to customers
- Expansion of reach
- Establishing trust and credibility
- Designs are Interactive and responsive
- Fast loading
- Compatible with multiple platforms
- SSL certificate
- Gain more customers
- Increase visibility
Types of Websites
The websites are of 2 types: Static and Dynamic.
Static Website
A static type of website is specifically used for displaying content to the end-user. The content on the website remains static as long as it is developed using HTML. Static websites are very simple, one can straightaway start developing them with little technical knowledge.
Static websites key-points
- Low-maintenance cost compared to other dynamic websites
- Cheaper to host
- Secured than dynamic
Dynamic Website
The websites which are highly functional and interactive are called Dynamic Websites. The dynamic ability in the websites exists because of languages like JavaScript, PHP, JSP, Ruby on Rails or ASP. Nowadays, the majority of websites are dynamic because they display dynamic content specific to their users.
Dynamic websites key-points
- Highly scalable compared to static websites
- Professional display
- User interaction
- Easy maintenance
Characteristics of an Exceptional Website
The website you display reflects your business digitally on the professional front. Before a customer or user decides to take benefit of your offered services he/she goes through various aspects of the website. In short, the design must be accurate, provide customer satisfaction and it should also fulfill the goals of your business. A website should be:
- Well designed
- High functional
- Optimized for small devices
- SEO friendly
- Clear CTA (Call to action)
Why do you need a website?
If you want to compete you have to adapt. Hence, having a website becomes a necessity. Nowadays, it is a mandatory factor in any competitive business, without a doubt. You will need a well-organized website for showcasing your services, work, and worth.
This will help you maintain the following points:
- Customer support
- Branding of product
- Social presence
- Minimum features
What is a Web Application?
A web app is a software or program which operates on a web server using any web browser. Web apps are developed using both client and server-side scripts.
The Front-end consists of technologies such as JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. On the other hand, Back-end deals with technology stacks like PHP, ASP.NET, and others. Eventually, these technologies are responsible for interactive features which indeed allows a user to interact with business using forms, shopping features, and other CMS (Content Management Systems).
Web applications appear similar to websites but have more features compared to them. The best example to understand this is Gmail.
Advantages of web app
- Multiple platform execution, however, the browser must be compatible
- Efficient user experience
- Easy customization and highly scalable
- Accessible anywhere through the internet
- Prominent as SaaS ( Software as a Service )
Disadvantages of web app
- Vulnerable to malicious attacks
- Limited scope for accessing devices features
- Support might be of unequal precedence across multiple browsers as a result reduces the user count
Characteristics of an exceptional web app
- Seamless
- Interactive user interface
- Stable & Secure
- Cloud-hosted
- API
When do you need a web app?
When you’re setting up an idea that has several complex processes associated with it, you should go for custom web application development. For instance, if you are planning to develop an online e-commerce store, a web app will work better. Because then, you will have multiple processes working simultaneously in a single system.
What makes a website different from a web app?
The simple answer to this question will be “Interactivity”. Yes! A website is an informational source with a static feature while a web app is dynamic.
This just establishes a baseline for comparison there are a lot of other features which distinguish them from each other. So before comparing, let’s understand them individually.
Website vs Web Application: Interactivity
Interactivity is the capability of a system to respond to a user’s input. It’s the first factor that sets website and web application development apart.
Website vs Web Application: Integration
Integration is a process that combines various services, applications, and platforms for making them work together efficiently. Third-party integrations are available in both Websites and Web apps so here are some similarities.
Website vs Web Application: Authentication
Authentication is for allowing users to access restricted parts through credentials.
Now that we have observed details of both website and web application and distinctive comparison of website vs. web application with interactivity, integration, and authentication, it’s time we get into depth and set out the differences and have a look at Website vs. Web application Table- A Detailed difference between a Web App and a Website.
Now as we have had a detailed comparison of a website vs a web application, let’s have a look at some Frequently asked questions about websites and web apps.
FAQs
- Can a website be considered as a software at all?
While a website may have used a software for its development and deployment, that doesn’t mean it is a software . In short, a website cannot be considered as a software.
- In any case, which is better to use an app or the website?
We at Webbybutter will suggest you to go with an app given that your objectives should match the intentions for achieving your business goals. So, if you need a transaction-based feature you should go with an app without a doubt. Then again, if you are only interested in representing your content and services you should go with a website. Still not able to decide? Contact us, our techies will understand your requirements in-depth and will suggest you the best suitable option.
- Are Facebook (Meta) and Instagram web applications?
Yes! Both are web applications, however, they both have their respective websites for accessing the same features.
- Website vs. Web Application vs. Mobile app – the difference.
In order to access Websites and Web apps, all you need is a URL address. On the other hand, Mobile apps can be used after installation only.
Conclusion
We hope this constructive comparison: Website vs. Web Application helped you solve your doubts regarding both similarities and distinctions between website and web application.
Get in touch with your craziest idea for a website or web application. Be it a website or web application we are up for the challenge! Our expert and developing team is waiting for transforming your idea into reality.