Learn more about WEB applications

In this post we will demonstrate the stages of this development, which encompass various activities, such as prototyping and testing. In this article we will explain a bit more about the concept of web apps, their benefits, and how the construction and implementation process works. Enjoy the read!

What is a web application?

A web application has this name because it is used directly on the internet. As a result, the functionalities are processed and stored within the network, which (in most cases) eliminates the need to install programs on the devices.

In addition, the web application is also related to cloud computing, since all the information of this type of app is stored entirely on robust servers, which send the requested data to users' devices and computers.

Thus, a web application can be accessed from anywhere, requiring only an internet connection for its operation, in addition to the user's access credentials.

The servers that store web applications in the cloud are spread across several countries, usually managed by leading companies in the market that rely on a high level of security to protect the data being transmitted.

What are the stages of web application development?

What is the process of producing a web application? Get to know the stages and clear your doubts.

Planning

The first stage in the development of a web application deals with the definition of the problem that will be solved by the product to be created. It is carried out through the listing and analysis of various information collected by the developers.

A well-defined problem will help the responsible teams to direct and coordinate the project in the best way. In addition, this stage must also clarify the function of the application and its final objectives.

Prototyping

This stage is responsible for the construction of a functional prototype of the application, serving as a sample of the final solution.

In software development projects, a prototype is similar to what we call a minimum viable product (MVP).

Building the application

As soon as the prototype is finalized, it is time to begin building the final application. This stage includes the following tasks:

• structuring and producing a database, with developers establishing which data will be needed for the proper functioning of the application.
• front-end development. Here, the team will work on the front end of the product — the layer of the application that will appear on the screen of the mobile device or desktop. It is carried out based on the functionalities approved during the prototyping stage;
• back-end development. The back-end is the part responsible for all the flows and operations of the application. At this moment, the programmers will structure the interaction between the user and the server;

In this stage, developers can start coding from scratch or use a hybrid platform, combining low-code and high-code.

Product design

This is the stage responsible for defining the format in which the application will be presented to users. In this stage, the professionals most connected to the visual aspect and the customer experience will work, such as User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) specialists.

User Experience will act to deliver a good experience to the user, making it as intuitive as possible. UI, on the other hand, is related to the visual layout of the product. It will be these professionals who guarantee a quality design and smooth navigation for users.

Application development

This phase is the one in which developers begin to structure the application's code, whether producing it from scratch or taking advantage of a hybrid platform. This stage is led by project managers who ensure cooperation and compliance with the deadlines set among the team.

Application launch

Now, we have the final validation and the effective launch of the product. When the solution is presented to clients and users, it will be possible to evaluate the first feedback provided, in order to carry out possible corrections and improvements.

Post-development

Even after it is officially launched, the web app will continue to be tested and monitored so that bugs are detected and solved as quickly as possible. This way, it will be possible to ensure that the product works properly and delivers a good experience within its proposal.

In this stage, it is normal for teams to use the Quality Assurance (QA) team, responsible for ensuring and monitoring the quality of the product through functionality, compatibility, and performance tests, among other factors.

In this way, even with the app already in operation, these professionals will work on the correction of possible bugs and the assurance of the proper functioning of the application. In addition, these tests also help to identify opportunities for improvement.

What are the benefits of the web application for companies?

One of the great advantages of this type of application is the financial savings and its efficiency. After all, when produced correctly, they guarantee a great experience to users without the need for large amounts of investment.

Another advantage is that web applications are cross-platform, being able to be accessed by any device, whether mobile, laptops or computers, in addition to being suitable to serve different operating systems.

Finally, convenience is an important advantage for users. After all, web applications do not need to be downloaded, installed, or configured on the device. There is only one exception: PWAs, or Progressive Web Applications, which are a kind of hybrid between mobile and web applications.

PWAs require installation, but this hybrid nature means that the download and installation are less complicated and do not take up much memory space on the machine on which they are installed.

As we saw in the article, the development of web applications involves several stages, from the initial discussions to the launch, with a window for adjustments after the presentation to clients. With a well-organized process, it will be possible to meet the design needs of this application.