Web application vs. website: Uncovering benefits of each solution

One of the primary steps for companies striving to build up a web presence is considering website web application differences. The definitions of web applications and websites are seemingly easy to understand: the first one is the app based on a web browser, and the second one comprises digital pages to which users gain access via a web browser. However, confusion may arise due to the recent blurring of the line between these two. 

The issue isn’t complicated as it seems to be

Initially, most sites were so-called collections of images and texts. With the era of the web evolving, most websites started to provide users with interactive features. The question becomes even more complicated as some brands use the term “website” to point out their online presence, comprising all digital platforms they have. 

At PNN Soft, we have qualified staff members who develop digital ecosystems that contain multiple web solutions, customers, suppliers, third-party data providers, applications, and diverse sets of technologies. However, if you are eager to learn more about the difference between portal and web application and select a perfect fit for your company, we will assist you. In this post, we will dwell on the differences between web solutions and web apps to help you elicit more benefits from the upcoming digital transformation. 

A remarkable online presence: website or web app?

A website is typically accessed by a URL (Uniform Resource Locator), as it is usually composed of webpage groups. In other words, numerous individual files work on displaying the content on the screen. The internet users get accustomed to primary sections of websites, such as the company’s Home page or “About us” or FAQs, etc. Well, you are reading this article on the website.

So the structure of the website precedes the web vs app question. If your objective is to provide potential clients with clear information on services/products or develop brand vision consistently, the first one will match your intentions more. Within the website, offering more complex and coherent customer support and showcasing your company’s case studies is also simpler. Websites are generally more associated with desktop solutions adapted to mobile view.

Conversely, web apps are more agile systems that can be easily modified or updated in line with upscaling. They are usually created based on Java, PHP or Perl, using storage databases PostgreSQL or MySQL. Web apps are associated with cross-platform solutions.  Thus, most commonly, you would need a web app to develop an out-of-the-box solution, obtain more engaging UX/UI, and build more personal connections with your customers. Another goal companies with web apps strive to achieve is trimming down data organization efforts.

Alongside that, we can highlight more differences in line with the following parameters.

• The aim

The web app is primarily developed for interaction with end users in mind, whereas the website is more about static content with no restrictions for access. Hence, web app users would manipulate data, and website visitors would view and read pages, not impacting the system’s functions. 

• Authentication

Your answer to the web app vs website question will result in the presence/absence of an authentication feature. As the former presupposes more space for interaction, app authentication is a must. The user may or may not authenticate within the website, depending on whether (s)he wants to have additional features available. 

• Complexity

The structure of web apps is more complex compared to websites. Websites provide users with static content by displaying collected data on their particular pages. The web app is also a part of the website, and the latter is a complete programming product. 

• Compilation and Deployment

Your IT vendor will need to pre-compile the app, not the website. As for re-compiling, it has to be done with all changes in the first cases. When you need to make small changes to your system for a website, you can have the HTML code updated. 

Which solution to select, knowing the difference between a website and a web application?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach. When it comes to developing any software solution, it always requires a tailor-made approach. However, there are markers that will help the customer to orient and cooperate more closely and efficiently with the IT service provider.

Website pros and cons

• + Cost-effectiveness. As a rule, websites are more affordable to create, as they do not imply much back-end infrastructure and complex functionality. Website development sometimes takes just a few weeks.
• + Easy navigation. Users tend to navigate websites easier: this kind of solution is built according to very familiar patterns, namely links and menus.
• + Accessibility. Anyone with a good internet connection can access the website without downloading the solution from app stores.
• –  Limited Interactivity: Websites often offer limited interactivity compared to web applications, making it challenging to provide complex user experiences or interactive functionalities.
• – No offline access. To use the site, users always need an Internet connection. The quality of the latter greatly affects the experience of interaction with the site
• – Security issues. Websites are mostly exposed to phishing, scam attacks and other.

Web app  pros and cons

• + Data control and scalability. Within a web app, your customers can obtain more control over their personal information and how it is collected. In addition, qualified developers can deliver updates to your app promptly when needed. 
• + Security. From the beginning, the developers create web apps emphasizing security. As a result, the solution has enhanced availability control, leading to better data protection and unauthorized access prevention. 
• + Performance. Web apps are intended to function faster and possess more functions to interact with data: creating, storing, editing, etc. So if your company wants to take advantage of Business Intelligence, a web app allows you to manage and track extensive data sets.
• –  Dependence on Third-Parties: Web applications might rely on external services and APIs, which can introduce dependencies and potential disruptions if those services experience issues.
• –  Higher Initial Investment: Developing a feature-rich web application can incur higher upfront costs due to the need for specialized development expertise and advanced technologies.
• – The development process for web applications is often more complex than for basic websites, which can result in longer development times and higher costs.

Websites vs web applications? Regardless of choice, we have got you covered

The PNN Soft team has 20+ years of experience in creating web solutions on the basis of JavaScript, Angular, React, C, Rails, and other proven tech stacks. Alongside that, we offer our clients gamified QA and testing services, so you can always level up your existing solution by cooperating with us. 

During full-cycle website or app development, we stick with our clients from ideation to post-development phases and prioritize long-term partnerships. Therefore, if your goal is to create a custom-made and easily scalable solution, we can help you address all the challenges along the way. If you are directed towards hassle-free modification of the existing solution, we will gladly assist.

For further IT consulting or sharing the idea of a transformative project for your company, contact us via the form below.