Do you have a solid app idea but do not know which format to choose for your project?
Mobile application development is not an easy or obvious job – and that is why we are ready to help you understand the difference between a web app and a mobile app, pros, and cons included.
Hopefully, by the time you finish reading this article about the definition and advantages, and disadvantages of this two app development approaches, you will feel more empowered and confident to make an informed decision on which to go with.
What Is a Web App
A web app is a software stored on a server and accessible through a browser. It is available on any device as it can adapt to different screen sizes.
A web application acts like a mobile app, which is usually why there is confusion between the two. It shares several features, but unlike mobile apps, you do not need to download or install web apps because they are not native to any particular system – all you need is a browser and an internet connection.
These apps are normally built using JavaScript, CSS, HTML and Python.
Pros
- Good functionality
Web applications give access to many features – more than mobile apps.
- Easy to build and maintain
Web apps require less time and effort to develop compared to mobile apps because they are cross-platform. They have a common codebase, meaning there is no need to recode for different operating systems.
- Quick and manual updates
With web apps, updates take place on the website/URL. This allows everyone to access the new version automatically and speedily, instead of waiting for each user to install the new features.
- Few updates
Web applications are seldom updated, so there is an extremely reduced risk of being unable to access the app without downloading the latest version.
Cons
- Do not work offline
Web apps cannot function without an Internet connection.
- Slower performance
Because you enter through the browser, web apps usually take longer to load than mobile apps. Furthermore, web apps are less developed concerning features.
- Less discoverable
Web apps may not be as discoverable as mobile apps since they are not listed in a specific database, such as the App Store
What Is a Mobile App
A mobile app is a software created for the operating systems of smartphones and tablets.
You can download them from app stores — Google Play (Android), Windows Store (Windows), and Apple (iOS) — and install them on your device. Once installed, they gain access to your device’s resources, such as GPS, camera, etc.
Developers use several programming languages to build mobile apps: Python, JavaScript, C+++, etc.
Pros
- Easy to access
Mobile apps are easier to access than web apps since the latter requires you to open the browser and search the website.
- Greater functionality
Mobile apps communicate with the device’s resources. This improves the functionality of the app as it is enabled to perform more tasks than web apps.
- Can work offline
Unlike web apps, mobile apps function without an Internet connection.
- Safe and secure
Mobile apps have App Store approval (it is mandatory), which contributes to better security.
Cons
- Limited functionality
Mobile apps comprise fewer features than web apps and thus have limited functionality.
- More expensive to build
Mobile application development requires a more extensive programming and designing process, especially with native apps, as you must build the app from scratch for each operating system. For that reason, it involves a larger expenditure.
Final Notes
Web and mobile apps work the same way. Web and mobile versions of a brand’s app serve the same purpose (entertainment, sales, etc.) However, besides having different interfaces, the key difference between the two is the need (or lack thereof) for an Internet connection.
Another important difference we can pinpoint is installation – web apps are available wherever there is a browser, unlike mobile apps.
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
