Web or Mobile Applications? Are You Struggling to Choose?

Choosing between a web application and a mobile application could seem like a daunting task but it doesn’t have to be this way. The right application could significantly improve customer experience and help you grow your business rapidly. Conversely, choosing the wrong one could have equally destructive consequences.

Also, let’s agree that both of them are equally alluring. That’s why it’s important for you to understand the possibilities and limitations of both and decide whether you need a mobile application, a web application, or both. To help you understand the nuances of web and mobile applications and overcome your “Sophie’s choice”, read on.

‍What are web applications?

‍In a sentence, web applications are those that can be accessed on a web browser like Chrome or Firefox, over the internet. They do not consume memory or storage space on the user’s device. Think of them as websites but with interactivity and functionality.

‍Web application development is less tedious because it need not be built individually for different platforms like Android, iOS, or Windows. Any device with a web browser could be used to access the app. Developers with web skills can easily develop web applications with standard web technologies like HTML, CSS or JavaScript.

‍Advantages:

• Ease of maintenance
• Single code base across platforms.
• Distribution, deployment, and updates can be released instantly. No need to update on an app store.
• Access to device-level features through JavaScript APIs.
• Lower development costs

Limitations of Web Apps:

• Interactions aren’t as responsive as mobile apps
• Inconsistent UI design elements
• No support for device-level features like push-notification or offline mode
• Potential user reach is reduced
• Operates slow

What are Mobile Applications?

‍Unlike web applications, mobile applications cannot be accessed through web browsers and needs to be downloaded on the device from the dedicated app stores. Mobile application development is more complex as compared to web applications.

The developer needs to take account of the software language used in the device, the required development tools, user interface elements, and software development kits (SDKs).Simply put, all those integrations make a mobile app compatible with just the platform it was made for, whether it be Android, iOS, or Windows. That’s why you need to build multiple apps for different platforms.

Unfortunately, it also means that every update or added feature will need to be updated individually on all those platforms, conforming to the guidelines of that particular store. However, they are not as bad as they seem. They have their share of advantages too.

‍Advantages:

• Hi-speed and responsive user experience
• Access to all device-level features
• Stable and reliable
• Offline capabilities
• Ease in marketing due to availability in app stores

Limitations:

• Expensive to build
• Development takes time
• No cross-platform support
• Prior approval required from the “Apple App Store”
• Taxing Maintenance

Conclusion

‍Choosing the right application for your business is all about prioritizing the functionalities that you want and the limitations that you can bear.

If your requirements align with the benefits of web applications and the limitations that come with it do not pose problems for your business, go for it, same for mobile applications. Businesses today also choose to be omnipresent and hence they have applications running on both web and mobile platforms.

If you are still unsure, and need consultation on the way forward you can always reach out to us. Our team of experts can help you make the defining choice that will accelerate your business’ growth.