The use of software in modern business is a need. Digitalization allows the practice of new tools, widens business opportunities, and improves cooperation between the company and the customer. The only question is, what type of apps to use? The web app works through the browser, using it as a runtime environment, the desktop — is installed, launched, and runs locally. But if the desktop application already exists, do the developer and consumer jump in by migrating desktop apps to the web? You can do this, by comparing both of the options.
A web application is a program that is compatible with a browser. The part of the program that is visible and accessible to the user is executed in the main front-end languages and is supported by the three most popular browsers. And for writing the server part, any other programming language or framework can be used: Python, PHP, Ruby, or Java.
Installation and updating of the application take place without user intervention and is performed by the server part. The result is visible immediately after refreshing the page or logging into the account. For the updates to work correctly, you may need to download additional utilities responsible for network interaction.
The application is hosted on local hardware or on a cloud service, where the software part is updated. The server side in this case is required even for a simple task since you need a physical place to place the front and back end.
The performance of an application depends on the software part (design and code) and also on the capabilities of the gadget used. As well as on the speed of the Internet connection provided by the characteristics of the remote server.
Programs are available on any device and anywhere in the world, but only if there is a connection to the global network or the possibility of offline work with the subsequent download and update of data.
The application works correctly on the platform of any mobile gadget or stationary desktop since in most cases it does not depend on the technical stuffing and the operating shell of the system. The application is supported on all popular browsers, and it is convenient for the user too.
The performance of the program depends on the functionality of the browser and its updates. This imposes certain restrictions on operation and may cause inconvenience in use. The problem is solved by updating the application itself in accordance with changes in browser performance.
Application developers keep abreast of security issues and data breaches. But there are processes beyond their control: the protection of the browser itself, a secure Internet connection, or the reliability of a cloud service. To maintain a high level of security, developers build authentication methods into the app.
It is possible to transfer the desktop version of the application to the web if the customer’s work conditions require it. This service is provided by companies specializing in it (including Modlogix).
These group of programs can work without a network connection. Modern apps still offer to work with the connection, but this is necessary to use various devices, include other users in the project, or update the program without manually reinstalling. This type of program is believed to be faster, with wider functionality. But it directly depends on the power of the hardware.
The main feature is ample opportunities for functionality. You can implement almost any idea. But we should not forget the importance of UX.
Developers cannot increase the security of the browser, and the web application is vitally dependent on its operation. Data protection of the desktop version depends only on the owner of the computer or local network.
Any operating shell is subject to a stationary application, and the native version of the application is suitable for a smartphone. But there has to be a connection to the internet to sync data. In any case, the application works offline, the work does not stop, and the data is synchronized when connected to the global network.
The desktop program uses the built-in resources of the computer and may work less productively on weaker hardware. But at the same time, you can solve all the problems if you write out the conditions for a custom software development task at the very beginning. With proper optimization, such an application will perform tasks efficiently.
These are not all the features of the programs installed on the computer. Work productivity issues are solved by a custom order, which takes into account the complexity of the task and the available resources.
The possibilities of browser development are enormous, its potential is far from being fully realized. Technologies are developing, the IT market is growing, offering more and more new applications — other things being equal, users will choose the web simply because it is more convenient.
If we talk about solutions for corporate clients, then browser-based applications are indispensable. They are flexible, and universal, do not require preliminary preparation of the environment and allow for saving the company’s finances, hardware resources, and employees’ time.
But some developers believe that the prospects are far from rosy. The process of producing web programs is not yet perfect, so mistakes have already been made and are likely to be repeated. Therefore, users of browser-based solutions will return back to desktop ones. As long as browser developers use Java Script en masse this trend will continue to exist. As long as this programming language is used for solving such problems, it is not possible to predict other trends.
Nevertheless, in each case, the task is solved in its own way, and if you want to transfer a stationary app to the web, you can use the services of specialists, for example, Modlogix.
