Mobile App Vs Web App

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Apps, short for applications, are a readily used term among general users. And they’re often found confused with mobile app and web app. Developers to create apps know the disparities rather well. It’s important to resolve this common misconception to make the most of each one.

Knowing whether they’re similar, dependent, opposite can help you choose the right option. Let’s explore the basic differentiating details between web apps and mobile apps in brief.

What is a Mobile App?

Mobile apps are software programs, specifically designed to run on mobiles. These are primarily built for touchscreen devices like – smartphones, tablets, consoles. Most apps are launched and installed via two leading sources – App Store (iOS) and Play Store (Android). Android covers 71% of the total app users whereas iOS holds 28% share in the global market.

You can classify mobile apps into two broad categories based on the platform/system compatibility –

1. Native: Apps are created for a niche platform (iOS or Android), often requiring hardware access for full functionality. Most apps are native apps, developed for a specific platform.
2. Hybrid: A single code base allows the app to become compatible with all available operating systems (OSs). Popular Hybrid apps used by SME/Startup are Flutter, React Native, Ionic.

Apps are developed using specific programming languages and Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), depending on the platform.

• iOS app mostly uses Objective-C/Swift (program language) with Xcode IDE.
• Android app uses Java (program language) with Android Studio/Eclipse IDE.

Google and Apple also have proprietary development tools, software development kits (SDKs), interface elements. Developers primarily use these features to create, test, launch native mobile apps.

Mobile App: Positives and Limitations

The general advantages of modern mobile apps can be broadly outlined as follows –

• Rich, smooth, engaging user experience through device-specific features.
• Further access to hardware and even other software for enhanced performance.
• Utilization of device resources to become more responsive and/or speedy.
• Multiple monetization possibilities are included to get direct money from users.
• Offline capabilities enable access to features or contents without internet.
• Real-time communication with users is established via notifications or reminders.
• Easy addition and functioning of new and/or complex features with tools.

However, you’ll have to address some drawbacks while choosing mobile apps for sure –

• Developing an app mostly starts from scratch, requiring extensive workload.
• Costing is high; tends to increase with more features, advancement, complexity.
• Regular/Periodic update is a must for safety and security of data/information.
• Consistent maintenance is necessary to keep up with Store Terms & Conditions.
• Initial approval from the App/Play Store is challenging with many regulations.

What is a Web App?

Web apps are self-sustaining software with no downloading or installing requirements. The software fully runs on web browser, remaining highly adaptive to any device. Its program is stored in a remote server, allowing access to users via Internet when requested. A web app is different from website as web apps display intended content for user interactions.

Microsoft’s Office 365 and Google’s GSuite are the two best web app examples. Web apps utilize HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python without any standard SDK (software development kit). Instead, developers often have access to custom templates to craft the required features. However, OS compatibility and/or support may be limited for some web apps.

Web App: Positives and Limitations

The standard benefits offered to the users/developers by a web app include –

• Less cost, effort, time requirement in development without any special features.
• In-browser access means no involvement in downloading/installing issues.
• A somewhat steady codebase to remain compatible with all operating systems.
• Automated, direct, instant updates applied to the app without notifications.
• Simple, easy, quick development using many custom templates available online.
• Instant launching for user attention without going through approval process.
• Fast discovery/analysis by search engines for Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

Likewise, some associated problems of using web apps to be dealt with –

• Working offline and/or under poor internet connectivity isn’t possible.
• Difficult to discover independently or through SERPs with no database listing.
• Unapproved app quality and/or security means safety isn’t guaranteed.
• Limited to no access to specific hardware or software features on the device.
• Variances in versions and updates may cause some compatibility issues.

Difference Between the Two – Mobile App vs Web App

Both apps are considerably similar in terms of appearance, response, and functionality from the user’s perspective. That’s where the confusion arises where people start to treat the two app types alternately.

Let’s consider the YouTube mobile app against the YouTube web app to differentiate between the two. You can access the mobile app instantly where the app features a particular interface. Now accessing YouTube through a web browser on the same mobile will come up with the same interface.

Similarly, YouTube exhibits the same features, interface, and functionality as other compatible devices. You can access the YouTube web app from a desktop where YouTube’s native mobile app doesn’t work. Instead, you’ll be asked to download and install ‘YouTube’ software to run the platform.

Which One to Choose – Web App vs Mobile App

Developing an app has become a crucial action required to succeed in online marketing/presence. You may have to develop both, depending on potential audiences, growth, and expansions. Nonetheless, you should go for mobile apps when you expect direct purchases from customers.

Meanwhile, web apps are particularly good when you’re trying to reach more audiences. Anyone with internet access can browse, find, explore, choose your services/products. It’s indeed a viable choice for enterprises, businesses, startups with limited resources, reputation, futuristic ventures.

Contact Tectera a mobile app development company in Toronto to develop web app and mobile app.