If you plan to create an application to improve your business’s bottom line, you will have to meet some challenges. The first task is to choose its type.

With our help you will learn about differences between two types of applications. And the web app development agency will help you create the application for your business needs.

Mobile applications features

These applications are designed for tablets and smartphones. The user will be able to download them from both the Apple and Android stores, as well as from any available sources.

There are 2 main types of such applications:

• Native. These programs are written in the familiar languages of the mobile platform. They can easily access some of your phone’s features;
• Hybrid. Universal applications that are not tied to platforms. They are developed using native and web technologies. Such programs allow you to save money and avoid paying for creating two separate versions, but are not well suited for complex projects.

Web application features

The main difference between this type of application and a mobile one is that it runs in a browser, just like a regular website. In fact, it is almost the only similarity between the application and the site.

Let’s take a closer look at 3 basic differences:

• Enhanced authentication capability. Users of this type of application have the opportunity not only to view content, but also to download, create and change it;
• Availability of more complex functions. When creating a website, only «simple», most basic functions are available here, and an application based on frameworks can have an expanded set of functions;
• Deployment. You can very easily change some detail on the site, but any change in the application is impossible without compiling and deploying new software.

There are many types of applications of this type. These can be various online editors (Google Docs, Word, Canva and others), social networks, instant messengers, e-commerce (trading platforms, marketplaces), banks, exchanges, auctions, ticket booking services, and other similar services.

There are 3 types of such applications in total. Let’s look at each of them in more detail:

• PWA. This type is very similar to a regular native mobile app. It works everywhere, the quality of its work improves with each updated version of the OS. It has a convenient user interface, is indexed in search engines and makes it possible to save a quick access icon on the screen. For its work you need to connect via a secure HTTPS protocol, but it can operate without the Internet;
• HTML-5. A web page that simulates the operation of the program is available in any browser. It does not run without the Internet, so it is a bad option for complex projects. It will be ideal if you need to quickly create a good application that will meet user expectations;
• SPA. Single page application with dynamic updates. Its data with which users interact changes with each update, but its statistical basis stays the same.

Which type of application is better to choose?

Remember, none of these apps is better than the other. They are simply suited for different purposes and both are often needed for larger projects.

You need to carefully analyze everything to make a choice. First of all, focus on the needs of potential users of your application, the technical capabilities of gadgets, the time and cost of creating the application, and the possibilities of its future promotion.