An internet browser and web technology are used to operate web applications.

Overview

Businesses worldwide use the Internet for their communications, which is a cost-effective channel. It allows them to exchange information with their targeted market and conduct rapid and secure transactions. However, effective engagement is only possible if the business can collect and save the required data, process the information, and then present the results to the customer.

In web applications, server-side scripts (PHP and ASP) store, retrieve, and manage information, and client-side scripts (JavaScript and HTML) present the information to the user. In addition to online forms, content management systems, shopping carts, etc., the website provides users with several ways to interact with the business. The apps also enable employees to create documents, share data, collaborate on projects, and work on standard documents no matter where or what device they use. Read this article for more information!

How does a web application work

Web applications are generally written in a language supported by browsers, like JavaScript and HTML, because these languages depend upon the web browser to make the application executable. Specific applications are dynamic and require server-side processing. Other applications are entirely static and have no processing on the server.

An internet server handles client requests, an application server handles the requested task, and the data is stored in an application database if necessary. The application server technology is available in various forms, from ASP.NET, ASP, and ColdFusion to PHP and JSP.

Here’s how a typical flow of an application appears to be:

  • A user sends a request to the web server via the Internet, whether via an Internet browser or through the user interface of the application
  • The Web server relays the request to the appropriate server for web applications.
  • Web application server executes the task requested, like processing or querying the data. Then, it generates the results of the requested data.
  • Web application server delivers data to web servers along with the requested information or the processed data.
  • The web server replies to the client by providing the requested data on the user’s display.

A web-based example

In addition to online forms, other web-based applications include Word processors and shopping cart spreadsheets, video editing, scanning, file conversion, and email clients like Gmail, Yahoo, and AOL. Microsoft 365 and Google Apps are popular programs.

Many features are included in Google Apps for Work, including Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides. There is also the option of sharing documents online and a calendar. The same version of manuscripts is available to all team members simultaneously.

The benefits of web-based applications

  • Web-based applications can be run on many platforms regardless of the OS or device as long that the browser is compatible.
  • Users can access the exact version, removing problems with compatibility
  • They do not reside in the computer’s hard disk, thereby getting rid of space limitations
  • They help reduce the risk of software piracy web applications with subscriptions (i.e., SaaS)
  • They cut costs for the end user and the business because there is less maintenance and support required by the company and less demand for the end user’s computer

Conclusion

The rise in Internet use by companies and consumers has changed how businesses are managed. It has resulted in the wide use of web-based applications as companies transition towards cloud-based or grid-based models. Web-based applications allow businesses to streamline processes to improve efficiency and lower costs.

Online applications like word processors, email client spreadsheets, and other programs offer functionality similar to desktop versions. They also have the added benefit of operating across multiple platforms, offering an even broader reach and being accessible from almost anywhere.