A Complete Guide To Web Application Development: Types and Costs

Over the years, web applications have become more scalable, maintainable, and user-friendly. Their popularity stems from their ability to be accessed on any device, regardless of location, offering users a convenient and practical solution.

Web applications are versatile tools used across various industries to streamline business processes. They mimic the experience of native apps, allowing users to access web browsing from any device, showcasing their adaptability and flexibility.

As a result, the revenue in the software application development market is projected to reach US$179.90 billion in 2024. This includes a significant portion of US$ 91.020 million in the United States alone, indicating a lucrative market for web application development. 

The widespread adoption of web apps by businesses is not just a trend but a testament to their profitability. This makes web application development a lucrative niche for the future. If you’re considering entering this field, rest assured you’re in the right place.

In this blog, we’ll delve into the various types of web apps and their intricate development process and web app development cost. So, let’s not waste any more time and dive right in!

What Are Web Apps? 

A web application, a software that runs on your web browser, offers a convenient solution. These applications are installed on remote servers and executed using server-side and client-side programming.

The best part! You don’t need to install this application on your mobile phone to access it, making it a hassle-free option.

Web application programming consists of two parts- Client side and server side. So, the server side stores and retrieves data while the client side displays the retrieved data to end users through images, sound, etc. It behaves like a mobile app when accessed on the browser but completely differs from native apps.

Now you wonder if they behave like native apps or websites; why are they different? 

A website’s primary purpose is to function according to the actions of end users and display the result accordingly. The displayed results are readable but cannot be manipulated. Also, the website can be accessible via browser to various devices. 

However, in some cases, users may be asked to register to access the information on the site. For example, if you want to read an article from a reputed platform, they might ask you to register to access it. Google.com and Wikipedia are famous examples that you don’t need to register to access. 

On the other hand, web apps are highly customizable and often require authentication for security purposes. This stringent security measure ensures the safety and trustworthiness of the user’s data, providing a reassuring layer of protection. They are designed for interaction with end-users. The data displayed by web apps can be manipulated; banking apps are examples of web apps. The online banking apps perform transactions based on customer input. Thus, they are highly customizable and need authentication for security purposes. 

Let’s understand this with another example: while registering on a social app like Facebook, a unique code enters your device to create an account. The system warns you if you create weak passwords and leave them unchanged. There is a high chance hackers will steal your information. So, authentication is required to access web apps. 

Therefore, web application development is a complex task requiring the expertise of an experienced team of web application developers. This highlights the importance of professional skills and knowledge in creating a successful web app. 

Take a look at the table comparing Web apps, websites, and native apps. 

How Does a Web Application Work?

Let’s understand how a web application works by taking an example.

Suppose you want to visit amazon.com.

• Enter amazon.com in your browser

When you enter a URL in your web browser and hit enter, the web browser needs to know the server’s address where the page is located. So, the request is sent to the DNS ( Domain Name Server), which stores domain names and IP addresses. 

The browser requested the found IP address using the HTTP protocol. If you have visited amazon.com from the same browser, it will pull the address from the cache.

• Request processing by web server

In this step, the web server sends the request to locate the page along with all the data it stores. That’s when Business logic comes into the picture. Then, how each data is accessed, business logic is responsible for its routing. 

Thus, when the BL processes the request, it sends it to storage to locate the data that was looked for. 

• Getting response back 

When the results return, they appear on the end user’s screen. The graphic components of the website that the user sees on the screen are the UI and UX components of the website that show information. 

The result shown on the screen is readable and listenable, and the user can manipulate it by performing specific actions.

What Is Web Application Development?

The process of designing, building, testing, and releasing a web app that is stored on remote servers and delivered to users via the internet is known as web application development. A web app is an interactive program that runs on a web server and is accessed through a web browser. 

However, the web app concept is simple. You don’t need to download or install it compared to native apps. Once the web app is successfully deployed on the server, the user can access the application and services using any web browser like Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, etc. 

Web application development is about setting future goals for the app’s purpose. When embarking on the journey of web app development, the first thing that sparks in the developers’ in minds is the crucial aspect of UI and UX experience. It’s the gateway to engaging the users and making the app successful.

Web-based apps focus on the following:

• Offering compatibility with both iOS and Android.
• Identifying life cycle and optimization metrics
• Providing an iterative user interface

Skills required for web application development

A background in coding is optional when developing a web app. Programming knowledge can be beneficial for designing your web app according to your requirements. You can also hire a web application development company to create a web app. 

Therefore, to create a powerful web app, both front-end and back-end technologies work hand in hand. Frontend technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are used, whereas Python and PHP are used for the backend. 

DevOps programs like Jenkins and GitHub are also helpful in the backend process. The popularity of Ajax is in demand currently, but it’s not a programming language. It’s a collection of techniques that help in building robust web apps.  It was capable of handling client-side programs, and it can exchange server-side data without interfering with user experience. 

Framework required for developing Web-based apps

Frameworks help streamline the process of web application development. Developers use frameworks to reduce errors and simplify the code. The front-end frameworks include Svelte,Vue.js and React. Framework for back-end laravel, Ruby on Rails, and Django.

Some frameworks, such as ASP.net, can handle front and back-end work. The MVC model-view-controller design model helps break the data within the app into three sections: the model, the view, and the controller. 

This is all about web application development; now, let’s understand the popularity of custom web apps among medium and large enterprises.

Why Are Medium and Large Enterprises Opting Increasingly For Custom Web Apps?

Custom web app development benefits everyone, whether a larger enterprise or a small business. Web apps streamline business operations, enhance productivity, and enhance customer interaction. Whether you are a startup, medium, or large enterprise, the first thing users note is your web app’s performance, speed of loading, and scalability. To ensure your business success, the best thing you can do is build custom web apps.

Custom Web App in a Nutshell

A custom web app is software built specifically for a particular company for a specific purpose. Custom web application development is done by expert developers specializing in creating custom software. 

Moreover, a custom web application is often used for various purposes, including inventory management, CRM, employee training, etc. 

Let’s understand the increasing adoption rate behind it:

1. Tailored solutions

Custom web apps provide tailored solutions for large enterprises, providing them with the tools and technologies needed to compete with larger companies.

They are easy to use and manage medium or large enterprises’ operations. The need for tailored solutions that specifically cater to unique business requirements increases the demand for custom web apps. If you want to provide your users with tailored features, a custom web app is all you need. 

2. Improve business automation

With custom web app development, businesses can automate repetitive tasks, saving time and effort. This allows them to focus more on strategic and essential work. 

“The global workflow automation market size is expected to reach USD 34.4 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9.71% during the forecast period.”

As your business evolves and grows, automation needs to change, too. Automation offers various benefits, such as improving productivity and innovation. That’s why the custom web apps are designed with scalability in mind. These web apps are potent catalysts for business growth, from enhancing customer experience to optimizing internal processes. 

3. Integration with existing systems

Many large enterprises already have a range of software to manage various operations. Custom web apps can quickly and smoothly integrate with existing software systems. 

Whether small or large enterprise, this integration ensures that your business process automation services work smoothly with existing tools, leading to a more streamlined infrastructure. 

4. Cost-effectiveness in the long run

Custom web app development is a relatively inexpensive choice but has long-term benefits. They are being developed to fulfill the needs of businesses by eliminating unnecessary features. 

These custom solutions are cost-effective, as businesses do not need to invest their money in licensing fees with generic software. For example, if you have your own app, you don’t need to pay for additional features, and there won’t be any cost package issues. 

5. Better user experience

User experience plays a pivotal role in the success of business enterprises. Custom web apps provide large and medium-scale enterprises to create optimal UX that aligns with audience needs and preferences. 

Providing users a better experience can increase user satisfaction, engagement rates, and ROI. However, when you develop a custom web app, you put the utmost effort into user experience, testing, and iteration to provide a user-centric product. 

6. Robust security

Whether a large or medium enterprise, they deal with confidential information and sensitive data daily. 66% of organizations worldwide were victims of ransomware attacks.  

Creating a web app with user security in mind protects users from cyber threats better than off-shelf solutions. Custom apps built with advanced security protocols will safeguard confidential information from data breaches and data loss. 

These benefits make larger and medium enterprises increasingly opt for custom web application development solutions. Let’s move to the next section and explore the pros and cons of web apps. 

What Are The Pros and Cons Of Web App Development?

In the above section, we have discussed why medium and large enterprises are increasingly adopting web apps. As much as web apps bring to the table, they have challenges, too. Let’s discover them down below:

Pros of  Web App Development

1. Accessibility

Web apps are highly accessible. They can be accessed from all web browsers across every digital device. Web applications are web-based and can be accessible 24/7 with an internet connection. 

Whether your team is in a different location with web apps, they can access shared documents, CMS, and other business services via subscription web apps.

2. Cross-Platform Compatibility

As they are accessible across different devices despite the location. They are cross-platform compatible as they can reach a broad and diverse audience. 

Moreover, they are inherently cross-platform, working seamlessly across various devices and operating systems without needing separate development for each platform.

3. Easy Updates

Updates to web apps can be deployed centrally on the server, ensuring that all users have access to the latest version without the need for manual updates or downloads.

The main aim of custom web app development is to cater to business needs specifically. They are entirely scaleable and flexible based on business growth and needs. 

4. Lower Development Cost

As compared to native apps, they can be developed quickly. Many developers need help with web apps and can easily change the app’s interface with less time and effort. Resulting in lower development costs.

However, developing a web app typically costs less than developing separate native apps for multiple platforms due to a single codebase and reduced complexity.

5. Easier Maintenance

Every digital device with a browser can be easily installed without maintenance requirements. Maintenance requirements are low, with every device’s updates and patches rolled out remotely.

Maintaining a web app is simpler because changes must only be made in one place (the server) rather than updating multiple native applications across different platforms.

Cons of Web App Development

1. Limited Functionality

Since web applications rely entirely on the Internet, users without high-speed Internet connection may face slow loading time, disrupted functionality, and inability to access the web app. 

Web apps may not have access to all the device’s native features (such as the camera, GPS, and sensors) to the same extent as native apps, potentially limiting their functionality.

2. Performance Issues

Poor network connectivity, heavy database load, and issues related to third-party APIs lead to web application performance issues. 

The web app loads slower with low internet speed, making it perform poorly.

3. Offline Access

The most significant disadvantage of developing web apps is that they can only run with an internet connection.

 Users must have a proper connection to use web apps. It cannot provide offline access like native apps.

4. Security Concerns

Web apps are more exposed to security threats, phishing, and data breaches as they are highly accessible by a wide range of users worldwide. They are more prone to hackers. 

As they are more prone to cyber threats, they require constant vigilance and updates.

5. User Experience

Web apps’ user experience (UX) might not be as smooth or intuitive as native apps. Web apps sometimes feel less polished, and their performance varies across browsers and devices.
You can decide whether web app development is appropriate for your business-specific needs and goals by weighing these pros and cons. So, before you develop web app, let’s understand the types in the next section.

Types Of Web Application Development

A web application is not limited to a single niche. Brands like Facebook, Instagram, and many other giants have various web apps for multiple purposes and reasons. 

So, to create a web app for your business, understand their types, which are listed below. 

1. Dynamic Web App Development

This one is considered one of the best web application development types. They improve the user experience as compared to static web apps. 

Moreover, they can fetch and display data in real time without the need to refresh the page. Simply, they can display content based on user input.  

If you want to create a web app with a dynamic development approach, we specialize in building web apps using modern tech stacks like React, angular, etc. Creating custom solutions that ensure seamless interactivity and real-time data updates tailored to your business needs.

2. Static Web App Development

A static web development approach uses HTML and CSS without connecting to a database. They are highly secure and take less time to build and deploy than dynamic web apps. 

Moreover, they load faster due to simple and static content and are less vulnerable to security threats as there is no interaction with a database. This development approach is best suited for software development companies. 

3. eCommerce Web App Development

When a web app directly sells or promotes a product or service to potential customers, it’s called an ecommerce web app. This web app provides round-the-clock services with access to a global customer base. 

Ecommerce web apps can streamline the process of sales by managing inventory, providing 24/7 customer support, and managing payment systems. However, professional developers can customize them to make them user-friendly. Some famous examples of eCommerce web apps include Amazon, Flipkart, and many more. 

EmizenTech provides end-to-end eCommerce solutions, including custom eCommerce platforms, integrations with payment gateways, and robust inventory management systems to enhance your online store’s functionality and user experience.

4. Single-page Web App Development

A single web page application is also known as a single page application. They are dynamic web apps that don’t require reloads and function as a single unit of the web app. 

Moreover, they are fast and dynamic and implement all business and technological strategies in client-side browsers. Also, they are easier to manage and maintain due to the single-page structure. The main issue with SPA is that it needs to comply with SEO guidelines. Netflix, Gmail, and Twitter are famous single-page web app development examples. 

Emizentech has extensive experience developing SPAs using frameworks like Angular, React, and Vue.js, ensuring fast and responsive web apps with smooth user experiences.

5. Multi-page Web App Development

The multi-page web application is a web application where a server separately creates and sends each page to a web browser by a server. They depend on the server to generate and refresh web pages. For example, the server sends a new page to the browser whenever a user clicks the link. 

Moreover, multi-page web app development is commonly used for e-commerce websites, including marketplaces. They are suitable for large applications with extensive content and complex structures. 

6. Progressive Web App Development

Progressive web apps are built with web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, making them feel functional like native apps. Due to its development approach, they are faster and can work offline. 

Moreover, PWAs are easy to update and streamline communication between a business and its customers. Faster loading time reduces server load and minimizes the risk of crashes during high-traffic season. This approach benefits businesses as it has a quick installation process, decreases the cost of development, and increases the ROI. 

EmizenTech can develop Progressive Web Apps that combine the best web and mobile apps, providing an engaging, reliable, and fast experience for your users.

7. Social Media Web App Development

With social media, web app development facilitates user interaction and engagement. It also includes website apps and systems designed to support these interactions. Social media web apps cater to community building by providing a platform for users to connect and share content.

Moreover, it enables easy content sharing and viral marketing. If you want to create a social media web app, we specialize in creating a platform with real-time messaging and content-sharing features.

8. Business Web App Development

Business web app development focuses on browser integration and does not follow standard web development processes. These apps streamline business processes and operations and enhance data collection, analysis, and reporting. 

In addition, business web apps are tailored to specific business needs and workflows. If you want to develop a business web app. EmizenTech provides custom business web apps that automate workflows, improve data management, and integrate with existing systems to enhance overall business efficiency.

9. Animated Web App Development

Animated web apps are created to provide users with the graphical effects used to create movement and interactive features on a website. These web apps help attract and retain users with interactive animations. It enhances the visual appeal and user experience.

If you develop an animated web app, you can differentiate your brand with unique and creative designs. 

10. Content Management System (CMS) Development

Developing a well-implemented CMS helps website owners save effort and time by simplifying the website updating process and saving developers time. With CMS web app development, non-tech users can update their content easily. 

Additionally, it provides flexibility and support for various content types and layouts. By developing CMS for your business, you can grow with your company and handle increasing content.  
Suppose you are planning to develop custom CMS solutions like WordPress. In that case, we provide intuitive content management interfaces, powerful content editing tools, and seamless integration with other Web App Project Development Planning systems to meet your content needs.

How To Develop A Web Application In 7 Simple Steps? 

Developing a web application can be complex, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes it easier to handle. Here are seven simple steps to guide you through the development of a web application: 

1. Web App Project Development Planning

Before starting web application development, the first thing to do is make a plan. Creating a plan from execution to planning will save you time and money. 

You can start planning a web app by defining its objectives, the features you want to include, and technical requirements. This will set ear goals and development timelines and help the development process. 

2. Web Application Design: UI and UX

Design the user interface and experience in this stage to ensure the app’s UI is lucrative, user-friendly, and visually appealing. 

Start web application design by creating wireframes, prototypes, and mockups focusing on user flows, accessibility, and responsiveness. Good design enhances user satisfaction and engagement, making the app more effective. 

3. Web App Development: Front-end & Back-end

Now, the front-end and back-end development of the web application will be started using technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like React Angular. The front end involves the client-side interface, while the back end handles server-side logic and database interactions. 

On the other hand, using server-side languages like Node.js, Python, and Ruby and frameworks like Django will help with the process. And ensure a seamless user experience and efficient data processing. 

4. Web Application Migration To The Cloud

Completing the front and backend development deploy the web application on a cloud platform. With the help of cloud service provider AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure, the necessary infrastructure can be set up, and the app can be migrated to the cloud. 

This step will ensure the web app handles varying loads and provides better uptime and performance to leverage scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency. 

5. Quality Assurance Testing Of The Web App

Testing is the crucial phase of the development process. Conduct thorough testing, identify bugs and errors, and rectify them to ensure the app’s quality standards. 

Use automated testing tools where possible. Rigorous testing improves the reliability and performance of the web app, reducing the risk of post-launch issues.

6. Web App Integration

After successfully testing, if you are satisfied with the testing phase, Integrate the web app with necessary third-party services and APIs to enhance functionality. 

Implement integrations for payment gateways, social media, analytics, CRM systems, etc. By integrating, you can extend the app’s capabilities and provide a seamless user experience.

7. Regular Optimization

Regular optimization is necessary to ensure the web app remains efficient, secure, and user-friendly. Continuously monitor and optimize the web app to maintain performance and user satisfaction.

 Track performance, user behavior, and feedback using analytics and update accordingly. This process will help optimize the app for speed, security, and usability.

By following these steps, you can easily create a web app, but in the next section, take an overview of the average cost of web app development.

Overview Of An Average Cost Of Web App Development Project 

The cost of developing a web app depends on various factors, such as the developer’s location, features, complexity, development timeline, and app functionaries. The average cost of web app development range from $10,000-$300,000. Depending on the complexity of the web app, the cost range changes; take a look.

1. Simple Web App:

With essential functionality, minimal design, and minimum features, a simple web app costs $10,000 – $50,000.   

2. Medium Web App:

 With better design and moderate complexity of the web app, it can cost up to $50,000 – $150,000. This category takes 3-4 months to develop.

3. Complex Web App:

Complex web apps include advanced features, sophisticated design, high complexity, multiple integrations, and high scalability, and they cost up to $150,000 – $300,000 or more, depending on the project requirements. It takes up to one or half years of average development time.

Tools And Tech Stack Required For Web Application Development

Here are tools and technologies commonly required for web application development, categorized by their purpose in the development process. 

This table provides a comprehensive overview of the tools and tech stack essential for the various stages of web application development, from writing code and managing versions to testing, deployment, and monitoring. 

Team Structured Required For Successful Web Application Development

Carefully choosing a well-structured team is crucial for the success of web application development projects. Look at the team required for developing web app development, their responsibility, and their skills. 

What Are The Future Trends Of Web Application Development?

Every company now knows the potential of web apps as they continuously evolve with the latest technology. To remain competitive in the web app development niche, you must know the future trends to strengthen your position in the market. 

To be ahead in the competition, you must partner with custom web app developers who understand the latest trends in this niche. You can successfully make a web app by adapting future trends. We have created a list of future trends to evaluate the market demands in the web application niche. 

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence is an advanced technology that enhances user experience through personalized recommendations, chatbots, and predictive analytics. A famous example of AI in web apps is the AI-driven chatbots for customer service.

Moreover, AI-enabled chatbots help businesses to provide users with better customer experience. In the future, AI will become more advanced by using NLP and ML to give better results for user queries.

2. Internet Of Things (IoT)

IoT refers to the collective network of connected devices or technology that manages the communication between the devices and the cloud, where all the data is stored. With this technology, you can connect web applications with IoT devices, enabling real-time data exchange and control.

Moreover, IoT will enormously change how we interact with digital devices, making them smarter by allowing them to collect and interpret data with other digital devices via the internet. From healthcare to smart home applications, IoT is everywhere. 

3. Blockchain

The popularity of blockchain was due to the facilitation of cryptocurrency transactions. This technology provides secure, transparent, and decentralized data storage and transactions.

Moreover, the blockchain sector will keep developing at a fast pace. It is helpful in cloud storage, cybersecurity, and smart contracts. Blockchain technology in web apps facilitates secure financial transactions and supply chain management.

4. Microservices Architecture

With the help of microservices architecture, applications can be broken into more minor, independent services, enhancing scalability and maintainability. It can solve all the issues and traffic jams during the peak seasons. 

This architecture is helpful in an eCommerce platform where each service (cart, payment, user management) is independently deployed.

5. Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has many benefits in web application development as it offers more flexibility when sharing and restricting data on a time basis. 

Additionally, cloud computing services facilitate scalable, flexible, and cost-effective hosting solutions for web applications. Large enterprises can manage their storage issues by deploying applications on cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.

6. Metaverse

With metaverse, you can create immersive worlds where users can explore and interact with other users regardless of location. Developing web applications with virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) integrated into them can give immersive web experiences.

Social experience is a vital part of Metaverse. You can develop virtual stores where users can try products in a simulated environment.

How Can EmizenTech Help In Your Web Application Development Journey?

At EmizenTech, we have created trendy web applications for our clients, providing them with a competitive advantage. As a leading Software development company, EmizenTech offers comprehensive services to help you develop web apps tailored to your business needs. 

Here’s how we can assist you:

1. Custom Development

We specialize in creating custom web apps that align with your requirements and business goals.

2. Expert Team

We have experienced developers, designers, and QA engineers who ensure high-quality, efficient, and scalable web applications.

3. End-to-end Solutions

From initial consultation and planning to development, testing, and deployment, Emizentech provides end-to-end web application development services.

4. Cutting-Edge Technologies

EmizenTech utilizes the latest technologies and trends, such as AI, IoT, and blockchain, to deliver innovative solutions.

5. Ongoing Support

Post-launch, EmizenTech offers continuing support and maintenance to ensure your web app remains up-to-date, secure, and performs optimally.

Conclusion

Deciding on web application development is essential for businesses if you are looking to build cost-effective solutions. Choose the right web app development software to develop a dynamic web app or an eCommerce platform or leverage emerging technologies like AI and blockchain. Also, partnering with experienced web app developers at EmizenTech can make all the difference. We hope that with this comprehensive guide, you can stay ahead of competitors and meet your evolving business needs. 

Frequently Asked Questions