.svg)
Do you know that many SNS, online shopping, reservation sites, etc, which have become indispensable to our lives, are provided as web applications?
I've heard the word "Web App" and I think I know it in my head, but I think it's quite difficult to actually explain it in words. And you haven't thought much about how it was developed and delivered to you, because you use it naturally, haven't you?
So this time, one of the technologies that support modern times, "What is a web application?" From the basic part, we will dig deeper into the mechanism, development, and development technology. Please watch the explanation of the web application, one of the technologies that supports modern times that combines ease of use, efficiency, and creativity.
In my journey through system development, app development, and digital transformation, I've often encountered a pivotal question: "What is a Web application?" This question is crucial in understanding the modern digital landscape, so let me share my insights on this.
A web application, as I've come to understand, is a type of application that operates online through a web browser. One defining characteristic of a web application, and something that always strikes me as its major advantage, is that there's no need to install it. This feature allows users to access the application from a wide range of environments, irrespective of the devices or operating systems they are using.
From my experience, the versatility of web applications is unmatched. They are designed to function smoothly and quickly on web browsers, ensuring a seamless and satisfying user experience. This is something I've always valued, both as a developer and a user.
In the realm of web applications, there's a vast array of types and uses. Examples include social networking sites (SNS), online shopping platforms, and reservation sites. I've also seen the growing importance of web applications in areas like online banking, project management tools, and online education. Each of these applications has its unique operational methods, but most of them share a common feature – an intuitive interface. This includes user-friendly buttons and navigation, which I find crucial for a broad audience's ease of use.
There are three main types of web apps. I will also introduce two other types of web applications.
・Static Web Apps: These are the simplest type of web applications, mainly consisting of static content. They are built using HTML, CSS, and sometimes JavaScript. They do not require web programming or database design, and they’re ideal for displaying consistent information across all users.
・Dynamic Web Apps: Unlike static apps, dynamic web apps generate real-time content based on user interactions, using server-side programming languages like PHP, ASP.NET, or JavaScript frameworks like Angular, React, or Vue.js. They often interact with a database, allowing for a customizable experience.
・Single-Page Applications (SPAs): SPAs load a single HTML page and dynamically update content as the user interacts with the app, providing a fluid and responsive experience. JavaScript frameworks are commonly used to build SPAs.
・Multi-Page Applications (MPAs): These traditional web apps reload the entire page and display new content from the server whenever the user navigates to different sections of the app. MPAs may be preferred for very large-scale applications with diverse content, like e-commerce sites.
・E-commerce Apps: Specifically designed for buying and selling goods online, e-commerce apps are complex and require secure payment processing, inventory management, and customer service functionalities. Technologies like Magento, Shopify, or custom solutions are commonly used.
・Content Management Systems (CMS): These apps are designed to manage and deploy website content. Users with little technical knowledge can easily create, manage, and modify content on a website. Examples include WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal.
・Progressive Web Apps (PWAs): PWAs combine the best of web and mobile apps, working offline, loading quickly, and capable of receiving push notifications. They are built using web technologies but offer a user experience comparable to native apps.
・Portal Web Apps: These are typically used for internal company purposes, where users access different sections through a single home page. They can include forums, emails, browsers, and areas accessed by logging in.
・Rich Internet Applications (RIAs): RIAs offer advanced capabilities like drag-and-drop, animation, and interactive features without the need for page reloading, typically using Adobe Flash, Java FX, or similar technologies.
If you break down the mechanism of the web application, it can be roughly divided into three.
1. Front end
It is the part that touches the user's eyes directly and actually operates it. It provides an easy-to-read interface for users using languages such as HTML (depreturing the structure of the homepage), CSS (adjust the appearance), and JavaScript (add movement and interactive functions). Elements such as buttons and navigation are also created at the front end.
2. Backend
Because of server-side processing, it is generally not visible on the user side. Receive front-end requests and perform data processing and business logic. Backends are developed using server-side programming languages (e.g. Python, Ruby, Java, etc.). It is responsible for receiving the information sent by the user, storing it in the database, and interacting with other services.
3. Database
It's like a warehouse that stores necessary data such as text, numbers, images, and user information. By using the database, you can manage, organize and search, and the backend interacts with the database to obtain and save the necessary information.
In addition, the development flow is roughly as follows.
WEB application planning and design
Clarify the purpose and requirements of the project and design the app based on the needs of users.
▼
Programming language selection
Common options include Python, JavaScript, and Ruby. The language to choose is determined according to the requirements of the project and the skills of the developer.
▼
Selection of frameworks and selection of development tools
For example, choose the right one for the project to improve development efficiency, such as React and Angular for front-end development, and Django and Ruby on Rails for back-end development.
▼
Development
Once the design and selection are completed, we will start the actual development work. Developers write code based on requirements, test and debug. When development is completed, we will deploy to the server and set up the domain to publish the app.
▼
Testing (QA)
In order for QA engineers to detect problems that need to be improved, we will test them on each model of devices and improve the quality.
▼
Public
After the test is completed, it will be released to the public as a completed application after the trial version.
For web application development, we use a programming language. The following is the representative language. It is not which language is good or bad, but there is a development and characteristics that are suitable for each language.
Front-End Technologies :
・HTML/CSS: The foundation of web development; HTML structures the content, while CSS styles it. Mastery of HTML5 and CSS3 is essential for creating modern, responsive websites.
・JavaScript: A dynamic programming language used for creating interactive features. It is the backbone of many powerful libraries and frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js.
・React: A JavaScript library developed by Facebook for building user interfaces. React’s component-based architecture makes it a top choice for scalable, high-performance applications.
・Angular: A platform and framework for building client-side applications using HTML and TypeScript, known for its powerful features like two-way data binding.
・Vue.js: A progressive framework used for building user interfaces. Vue’s simplicity and adaptability make it a favorite among developers for both small and large-scale applications.
Back-End Technologies
・Node.js: A JavaScript runtime environment that allows developers to use JavaScript for server-side scripting. It is popular for its non-blocking, event-driven architecture.
・Ruby on Rails: A server-side web application framework written in Ruby. It is renowned for its convention over configuration approach and its rapid development capabilities.
・Django: A high-level Python web framework that encourages rapid development and clean, pragmatic design. It's highly scalable and has a strong community.
・Spring Boot: A Java-based framework used to create stand-alone, production-grade Spring applications with ease. It simplifies the server-side development process.
Database Technologies
・MySQL: One of the world's most popular relational database management systems. It is reliable, scalable, and a staple in the web development stack.
・MongoDB: A leading NoSQL database, known for its scalability and flexibility. It stores data in JSON-like documents and is ideal for projects expecting to handle a variety of data types.
・PostgreSQL: An advanced open-source relational database, offering robust features and support for complex queries and data types.
Server Technologies
・Apache: A reliable and versatile web server software that has been one of the most popular on the internet since its inception.
・Nginx: Known for its high performance, stability, and low resource consumption, Nginx is often used as both a web server and a reverse proxy.
・AWS: Amazon Web Services offers a suite of cloud computing services, including server solutions that are scalable and cost-effective.
In addition, to using Web frameworks, constantly improving efficiency according to team is vitally important. It can be roughly divided into the following five.
1. Efficient development
By providing reusable codes and predefined functions, the development speed can be improved and the delivery time can be delivered.
2. Ensuring consistency
The unification of architecture and directory structure keeps code consistent and makes team development easier.
3. Strengthening security
Incorporating security best practices enhances authentication, authority management, data safety, etc.
4. Large-scale community and support
There is an extensive community and support system, and documentation, updates and security patches are provided.
5. Performance optimization
Features are provided to help efficient code execution, resource optimization, and performance improvement.
Now that I understand the mechanism and flow, I would like to imagine the actual development. The general team structure in web application development is as follows.
1. Solution Architect*: The Blueprint Designer
・Overview: Solution Architects craft the overarching structure of software projects. They ensure the architecture aligns with business goals and integrates seamlessly with existing systems.
・Key Skills: Proficiency in software architecture, cloud computing platforms like AWS or Azure, and a solid grasp of security and scalability.
2. Project Manager: The Strategic Leader
・Overview: Project Managers orchestrate the project's life cycle, balancing scope, time, and cost. They ensure teams meet deadlines, stay within budget, and achieve project objectives.
・Key Skills: Expertise in project management methodologies like Agile or Scrum, risk management, and strong leadership qualities.
3. Front-End Engineer: The Interface Expert
・Overview: Specializing in user interface design, Front-End Engineers create engaging and intuitive web applications using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript frameworks.
・Key Skills: Mastery of front-end technologies, responsive design principles, and a keen eye for aesthetics and user experience.
4. Backend Engineer: The Server-Side Specialist
・Overview: Backend Engineers focus on server-side logic, database interactions, and the integration of user-facing elements developed by front-end engineers.
・Key Skills: Deep knowledge of backend programming languages and frameworks, database management, and API development.
5. UI/UX Designer: The User Experience Architect
・Overview: UI/UX Designers are responsible for crafting the visual and interactive aspects of a product, focusing on enhancing user satisfaction.
・Key Skills: Proficiency in design tools like Sketch or Figma, understanding of user research methodologies, and strong creative vision.
6. QA Engineer: The Quality Guardian
・Overview: QA Engineers ensure software products meet quality standards. They design test plans, execute test cases, and identify defects.
・Key Skills: Familiarity with testing tools, keen attention to detail, and the ability to think critically about software functionality.
7. Infrastructure Engineer: The IT Backbone
・Overview: Infrastructure Engineers design and manage the systems and networks that support software applications, ensuring reliability and scalability.
・Key Skills: Expertise in cloud infrastructure, network security, and experience with DevOps practices.
8. Project Coordinator: The Organizational Anchor
・Overview: Project Coordinators support project management activities, ensuring smooth communication and resource allocation.
・Key Skills: Organizational prowess, proficiency in project management software, and excellent communication skills.
9. Engineering Manager*: The Team Catalyst
・Overview: Engineering managers lead the technical team, driving the development process and fostering an environment of growth and innovation.
・Key Skills: Leadership and technical acumen, team management experience, and strategic planning capabilities.
10. Technical Lead*: The Technical Visionary
・Overview: Technical Leads guide the development team, making pivotal decisions and often contributing to coding tasks.
・Key Skills: Extensive technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and experience in guiding development teams.
11. Business Analyst: The Requirements Translator
・Overview: Business Analysts bridge the gap between business needs and technical solutions, ensuring the software meets business objectives.
・Key Skills: Proficiency in requirement analysis, data interpretation, and strong communication skills.
12. DevOps Engineer: The Efficiency Innovator
・Overview: DevOps Engineers streamline software development and operations, focusing on automating and optimizing system processes.
・Key Skills: Knowledge of automation tools, cloud services, and scripting languages.
13. User Researcher*: The Voice of the User
・Overview: User Researchers gather insights about user needs and behaviors to inform the design process, ensuring a user-centered approach.
・Key Skills: Expertise in conducting user studies, data analysis, and empathy for user experiences.
Web apps are used for the following business models and services.
・Online shopping (e.g. Amazon)
You can do online sales of products and services. Customers can easily browse the products from their home or office and complete the purchase process.
・Social media (e.g. Facebook, Twitter)
Users can create profiles, share posts, etc., and interact with other users through social media platforms where users communicate and share information with each other.
・On-demand service (e.g. Uber)
We can provide on-demand services such as taxis and food delivery. Users can request and make reservations for services through the app and use the necessary services.
・Online reservation and reservation management (e.g. Airbnb)
You can make reservations and manage hotels, restaurants, beauty salons, etc. Customers can make reservations through the app and check the reservation information and schedule in advance.
・Online education and e-learning (e.g. study supplement)
We can provide online education platforms and e-learning courses. Students and students can access courses and teaching materials through the app and study at their own pace.
Web apps are a treasure trove of information that we can use via the Internet, and enrich our lives through various functions such as data display and manipulation, navigation, media display, and online payment.
JIITAK has also developed various web applications such as human resources and case matching web, attendance and business management web, medical counseling web, shared office admission management web.
Do you have any ideas or problems with web apps? Based on our web application development experience so far, we will do our best to support you, so please feel free to contact JIITAK!
.svg)
