Ways in Which Web Application Development is Changing

Originally published October 14, 2017, updated October 9, 2019

The field of web development is a rapidly expanding one, more so, due to the advent of the latest web application development technologies and improvement in the available resources and tools. The web application development becomes one of the critical attributes, through which the target audiences for the business will be enhanced. The best way to promote your business over the internet is by means of developing interactive as well as attractive websites. There is a continuous evolution of the web application development process, as the perception about it is changing to something that is more vibrant and dynamic.

With the reliance of more and more businesses on the web, the web application development is contributing more towards the sustainability of the business. Various trends are applied in order to make the web development process more productive and driven by results. As the requirements of the customers change, these trends also change. The fact that remains unchanged is the evolution of the web development scenario. Learn more about some of these mind-blowing changes in web application development.

Focus on User Experience

The users of mobile apps expect simple, intuitive interfaces from their apps. The web application developer must keep in mind this user experience. With the matured web application development, the demands for easier to use web apps grows.

Greater Demand for API

Saas (Software as a service) is getting embraced by more and more businesses that are able to address specific needs. The implication for the web application developer is the need to integrate with other applications. This is the reason behind the growth and popularity of the Application Programming Interfaces(API). No wonder that API-centric web applications are gaining attention since they render faster web application development process.

Increased Focus on Security

So far, there was a focus on the usability and the interfaces of web apps. As per a recent study, 96 % of web apps have vulnerabilities. There is an increased demand for the security of the application. The need for secure web apps outweighs the need for the speedy development of web applications. The practices followed must be analyzed.

Browser Maturity and JavaScript-based Client

We see the web application development technologies such as AI (Artificial Intelligence) and in-memory along with the emergence of Javascript-based clients. The last three to four years witnesses more maturing JavaScript frameworks based on coffee scripts and the traditional way of class-oriented writing. Compiling in Java helps to find more problems than Javascript. The browsers are better. The fundamental differences between browsers are made simpler with Jquery.

Rich Level of Interaction

The web applications must be more like native applications, demanding a change in the developer’s strategy for the development of web applications. The shift is essentially from the server-side to the client-side. There is a trend towards the richer, interactive clients with the use of frameworks like Angular.js. Faster Javascript Engines like Chrome V8 and the corresponding frameworks helps to move the jobs to the user’s browser, from the server-side browser. The user’s browser windows will enable better visualization and data analysis in real-time.

Real-Time Applications

There is a change towards more real-time apps that communicates directly with the server, without a page refresh. Building real-time apps become easier with Node.js and Socket.io. This simply works great with instant messaging, real-time document collaboration and editing, chat and real-time analytics.

Emphasis on Tools

An increasing number of tools are now being used, with a change towards the usage of the web from intranet non-critical things to the mission-critical piece. There is an increasing complexity that is happening as a result of evolution of web development. So, we see the usage of tools, libraries, and frameworks that enhances the productivity of the developers and helps to fill the gaps in skills. Tools make the life of the developer a lot easier and constantly help them explore new ways for web development.

More Hardware Diversity

Due to the advent of smartphones and tablets, responsive designs are much in focus. The web application development must adapt to various interfaces as well as screen sizes. The developer must keep it in mind that it is not only developed for the web browser but the various devices. The smartphones and the tablets are constrained by the processing power and the memory of the desktop. The best page load time must be kept in mind, while the mobile app development process lasts. The touchscreen functionality itself poses a change with color and more visibility, a place where the action is taken.

The application users simply make better decisions with a more sophisticated and data-intensive web application, with the use of advanced analytics and data visualization capabilities like D3 ( data-driven documents). Microservices are becoming more prominent, with newer architectural patterns incorporated in the web application development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a Web application platform?

A web application platform is a tool used in the web application development process. It helps developers to create web applications and APIs faster. One such example is Enonic XP, a highly scalable and open-source web app platform. Because it is based on open standards, you can code server logic with JavaScript on it.

Q. What technologies are used to create a web-based application?

Web application development technologies are the core ingredients for developing an excellent web app. Some of the major technologies that any developer cannot do without are:

1. Browsers
2. HTML & CSS
3. Programming Languages
4. Web app development frameworks such as Laravel and Django
5. API
6. Protocols
7. Data Formats
8. Client-side and Server-side

Q. What are the functions of a Web application?

Web applications have a lot of roles to perform. They are used by businesses as an extension of their mobile apps. Let’s take the example of E-Commerce apps. Along with such apps businesses also provide web apps for enabling people to use their services without the need of downloading any app. Moreover, companies that deliver SaaS completely rely on web applications to provide services to customers.